Reading Comprehension & the Building blocks of Reading Acquisition

Question 1

What are the main abilities that are required for reading texts?

Answer 1

1. Ability to comprehend spoken language
2. Ability to decode words

Question 2

Define Linguistic knowledge

Answer 2

Knowledge of the formal structures of language

Question 3

What are the subdomains of Linguistic knowledge?

Answer 3

• Phonology
• Semantics
• Syntax

Question 4

What forms part of learners’ ability to comprehend spoken language which enables them to make inferences?

Answer 4

• Linguistic knowledge
• Background knowledge

Question 5

Decoding

Answer 5

The ability to recognise relationships between written and spoken words

Question 6

Reading fluency

Answer 6

The ability to read with speed, accuracy & proper expression

Question 7

Cipher knowledge

Answer 7

Knowledge of systematic relationships that consistently relate letters to phonemes

Question 8

Lexical knowledge

Answer 8

Knowledge of relationships which are exceptions and do not follow a systematic pattern when relating letters and phonemes

Question 9

List some concepts of print

Answer 9

• knowledge that printed text carries meaning
• knowledge that each written word corresponds to a spoken word
• knowing text is read from left to right and top to bottom

Question 10

What is included as part of learners’ background knowledge?

Answer 10

• knowledge about the world & people
• procedural knowledge

Question 11

Syntax

Answer 11

rules of language that specify how to combine word classes

Question 12

Semantics

Answer 12

The meaning components of language

Question 13

Phonology

Answer 13

The knowledge of the sound structure of a language & how it conveys meaning

Question 14

How can a teacher help learners overcome challenges with background knowledge?

Answer 14

• select texts which are relevant to learners’ context
• explain necessary background to text before learners start reading