How is reading comprehension defined?

Reading comprehension is defined as the ability to understand and interpret written text. This encompasses not just recognizing words and sentences, but also grasping the meaning behind them, making connections between ideas, and critically analyzing the information presented. It involves integrating background knowledge with the text to derive meanings and understand the author’s intent.

This skill is essential for effective communication and learning, as it allows individuals to engage with various forms of written material, whether it be fiction, non-fiction, or academic texts. Comprehension goes beyond mere word recognition; it requires a deeper cognitive process where readers actively construct meaning from what they read.