New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is the foundation for deeper levels of comprehension according to the text?

1. Evaluative comprehension skills

2. Literal comprehension

3. Inferential skills only

4. Classroom discussions

The correct answer is: Literal comprehension

The foundation for deeper levels of comprehension is indeed literal comprehension. This is because literal comprehension refers to the ability to understand the explicit meaning of a text, including recognizing vocabulary, understanding sentence structure, and identifying main ideas and details. Mastering these skills is crucial as they provide the basis for students to advance to higher levels of comprehension, such as inferential and evaluative skills. When students have a solid grasp of literal comprehension, they can approach texts more confidently and accurately. This understanding is essential for them to begin making inferences and drawing conclusions beyond the text, which are necessary for deeper analysis and critical thinking. Therefore, without a strong foundation in literal comprehension, students may struggle to engage with more complex ideas and interpretations, making it a crucial starting point in the comprehension process.