A beginning novice can understand a limited amount of phrases and words in context only. As their reading comprehension progresses, this knowledge expands so they can read and identify individual letters, characters and symbols. They typically have to repeat a difficult word or phrase. An advanced novice reader can understand an array of common phrases, including idioms, and can interpret short instructional literature like maps, menus or bus schedules. Elementary students at this level are either ESL students, remedial students or very young.
At the intermediate level, an elementary school student should be able to understand more complex phrases that include personal needs and social situations that are directed at a wider audience. These include public service announcements and advertising. As the intermediate reader advances, they are able to understand more detailed descriptions and recognize some narrative devices -- like first- and third-person voice -- but will still have trouble with verb and subject agreement and vocabulary references.
An advanced reader can understand short paragraphs written in prose but may have trouble with slang or idiomatic expressions, comprehending the basic idea of the passage but missing some minor details in the process. An elementary school student at the advanced level should be able to read and understand short news releases and brief literary paragraphs, but will demonstrate a limited understanding of figurative linguistic devices, such as similes and metaphors.
At the superior level a student should be able to understand both the language and cultural context of literature appropriate to their level. The student can recognize and understand grammar points, like when to use certain verb tenses and their matching pronouns. Once a student reaches a superior level of reading comprehension, they will likely be nearing the end of their elementary school career. The distinguished level in reading comprehension is only reached by very advanced elementary school students, as this level is reserved for adults at a professional level.