Define reading comprehension.

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand and interpret written text. It involves being able to extract meaning from the words on the page, make connections between ideas, and draw conclusions based on the information presented. Good reading comprehension skills are essential for academic success and effective communication.

Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension is an active and cognitive process involving understanding and constructing meaning from written text. It requires the reader to:

- Decode: Recognize and understand the words on the page.
- Understand: Grasp the surface meaning of the words and sentences (literal comprehension).
- Analyze: Break down the text into its parts, examining specific details, inferences, and relationships.
- Interpret: Infer meaning, draw conclusions, and connect ideas to their own experiences (inferential comprehension).
- Critically evaluate: Question, evaluate the credibility of, and form opinions about the text.
- Synthesize: Integrate information from the text with prior knowledge and experiences.
- Apply: Use the knowledge and insights gained from the text in new situations.

Key Aspects of Reading Comprehension:

- Prior Knowledge: Readers bring their existing schema (background knowledge and experiences) to the text, which influences their understanding.
- Context: Understanding the context in which the text was written is essential for interpretation.
- Purpose: Readers need to consider the purpose of the text (e.g., inform, persuade, entertain) to guide their comprehension.
- Author's Perspective: Readers should recognize and consider the author's biases, motivations, and point of view.
- Figurative Language: Readers must be able to interpret metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to fully understand the text.
- Text Structure: The organization and structure of the text (e.g., paragraphs, sections, headings) aid in comprehension.