There are twenty types of readers.
- Inferential Readers
- Linear Readers
- Holistic Readers
- Strategic Readers
- Emergent Readers
- Passive Readers
- Selective Readers
- Intensive Readers
- Exploratory Readers
- Exploratory Readers
- Auditory Readers
- Re-reading Readers
- Active Readers
- Evaluative Readers
- Speed Readers
- Appreciative Readers
- Critical Readers
- Literal Readers
- Skim Readers
- Casual Readers
Definition
A reader is a person who engages with written or printed text. The purpose of a reader is to understand the meaning of a text. Readers use various strategies and techniques to comprehend and interpret text and can be classified into different types based on their reading habits, preferences, and purposes.

Table of Readers’ Types
Sr. | Readers | Definition |
---|---|---|
1. | Inferential Readers | They read between the lines and make assumptions about the text based on their background knowledge and the context. |
2. | Linear Readers | They read the text in a linear fashion, from start to finish. |
3. | Holistic Readers | They read the text as a whole and make connections between different parts of the text. |
4. | Strategic Readers | They use specific reading strategies and techniques to understand the text more effectively. |
5. | Emergent Readers | They are learning to read and still developing their reading skills. |
6. | Passive Readers | They simply read the text without any interaction or engagement. |
7. | Selective Readers | They choose what to read based on their interests and needs. |
8. | Intensive Readers | They read in-depth and closely analyze the text, paying attention to detail and making connections between the text and their own knowledge. |
9. | Confirmatory Readers | They read to confirm their existing beliefs or hypotheses. |
10. | Exploratory Readers | They read to learn new information and expand their knowledge and understanding. |
11. | Auditory Readers | They rely on listening to the text being read aloud in order to understand it. |
12. | Re-reading Readers | They read the text multiple times in order to gain a deeper understanding. |
13. | Active Readers | They engage with the text by asking questions, making connections, and taking notes. |
14. | Evaluative Readers | They read with the intention of making judgments about the text, its author, or its content. |
15. | Speed Readers | They attempt to read quickly in order to cover a large amount of text in a short amount of time. |
16. | Appreciative Readers | They read for enjoyment and appreciate the literary value of the text. |
17. | Critical Readers | They analyze and evaluate the content they are reading, questioning the author’s arguments and evaluating the evidence provided. |
18. | Literal Readers | They read the text word by word and interpret it according to its dictionary definition, without any inferences. |
19. | Skim Readers | They quickly scan text to gather main ideas or specific information. |
20. | Casual Readers | They read for pleasure or leisure, and not for any specific purpose. |