Why is comprehension considered a critical component of reading?

Comprehension is considered a critical component of reading because it ensures that readers can extract meaning from the text. This ability to understand and interpret the information presented in a written form is at the heart of the reading process. Without comprehension, reading becomes a mechanical task of decoding words without grasping their significance or contextual relevance. Effective comprehension enables readers to make connections with prior knowledge, analyze and synthesize information, and apply what they learn to new situations.

When readers comprehend a text, they can engage with it more deeply, drawing inferences and understanding underlying themes or messages. This foundational skill is essential not only in academic settings but also in everyday interactions with written materials, such as instructions, literature, and news articles. Therefore, comprehension encompasses the very purpose of reading itself, which is to gain insights and knowledge from written works.