Which statement best defines comprehension?

• A. The ability to decode letters
• B. The speed of reading
• C. The ability to memorize the text
• D. The process by which students actively and thoughtfully interact with text, constructing meaning

Answer: (D)

Comprehension is the active, thoughtful construction of meaning as you read. It goes beyond just turning letters into words or reading quickly; it involves connecting new information to what you already know, asking questions, clarifying confusing parts, making inferences, predicting what might come next, and summarizing to check understanding. This kind of meaning-making aligns with describing comprehension as the process by which students actively and thoughtfully interact with text, constructing meaning. Decoding letters is about turning print into sounds, speed of reading is about fluency, and memorizing the text is about recall—none of these capture the interactive, meaning-making work that comprehension requires.