Which statement best describes the end goal of reading comprehension instruction?

Which statement best describes the end goal of reading comprehension instruction?

• A. To understand a text
• B. To cultivate deep readers who can advocate for themselves and others
• C. To memorize the text
• D. To decode all words

Answer: (B)

The main aim of reading comprehension instruction is to develop deep readers who can think critically, engage with ideas, and use reading to participate in real-world situations. It’s not enough to simply understand what a text says; learners should be able to monitor their understanding, make connections, evaluate evidence, and apply insights to their lives and communities. When students become deep readers, they gain the capacity and confidence to advocate for themselves and others, seek information, and communicate their interpretations effectively. Foundational skills like understanding a text and decoding words support comprehension, but they are means to a broader end—meaningful, empowered reading that influences action and judgment. Memorizing text isn’t the objective, and decoding every word is a basic skill that serves the bigger purpose of meaning-making.

The main aim of reading comprehension instruction is to develop deep readers who can think critically, engage with ideas, and use reading to participate in real-world situations. It’s not enough to simply understand what a text says; learners should be able to monitor their understanding, make connections, evaluate evidence, and apply insights to their lives and communities. When students become deep readers, they gain the capacity and confidence to advocate for themselves and others, seek information, and communicate their interpretations effectively. Foundational skills like understanding a text and decoding words support comprehension, but they are means to a broader end—meaningful, empowered reading that influences action and judgment. Memorizing text isn’t the objective, and decoding every word is a basic skill that serves the bigger purpose of meaning-making.