Why is vocabulary essential to reading comprehension?

• A. Because knowing word meanings is essential for understanding text.
• B. Because it replaces the need for decoding.
• C. Because it is only important for speaking.
• D. Because it has no impact on understanding.

Answer: (A)

Understanding text relies on knowing what words mean. Decoding lets you pronounce words, but comprehension comes from grasping their meanings and how those meanings fit with the surrounding words and sentences. When you know a wide range of word meanings, you can quickly interpret sentences, recognize nuances, and connect ideas across the text, which helps you understand the overall message, details, and purpose. The idea that vocabulary replaces decoding is not accurate—both skills matter and work together. It’s also not true that vocabulary is only important for speaking, and it certainly has a meaningful impact on understanding what you read.