Final answer:
Knowledge of word meanings accounts for 50-60 percent of variance in reading comprehension.
Step-by-step explanation:
Knowledge of word meanings accounts for 50-60 percent of variance in reading comprehension.
This means that understanding the meanings of words plays a significant role in how well a person comprehends what they are reading. Available research suggests that vocabulary knowledge is a significant component of reading comprehension, and while there is variability across studies, it's commonly accepted that vocabulary could account for a substantial proportion of the variance in comprehension. The exact figure may vary, but for the sake of a schoolwork question where a specific range is likely to be expected based on course materials or academic consensus.
For example, if a student encounters unfamiliar words while reading, they may struggle to understand the overall meaning of the text.