New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is a key component of reading comprehension?

1. Memorization of text details

2. Understanding individual words only

3. Making meaning of text as a whole

4. Reading without any strategies

The correct answer is: Making meaning of text as a whole

Making meaning of text as a whole is essential to reading comprehension because it encompasses the ability to synthesize information, draw inferences, and connect ideas across different parts of a text. This holistic understanding allows readers to grasp the main ideas, themes, and overall messages that the author intends to convey, moving beyond simply recalling details. In successful reading comprehension, it is important to integrate various elements such as context, background knowledge, and personal experiences with the text. This process involves critical thinking and interpretation, enabling readers to engage more deeply with the material and apply it to their own understanding or real-world situations. Thus, the key to comprehension lies in the ability to extract meaning from the entirety of the text, rather than just focusing on isolated words or memorized facts.