Final answer:
According to the Simple View of Reading model, both word recognition and language comprehension are equally important for reading comprehension. The correct answer is option d.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Simple View of Reading model, both word recognition and language comprehension are fundamentally important and play a critical role in the process of reading comprehension. Neither is considered to be more important than the other within this model. Instead, reading comprehension is viewed as the product of the interaction between word recognition and language comprehension. Word recognition refers to the ability to recognize written words quickly and accurately, which is essential for fluent reading. Language comprehension involves understanding the meaning of language, sentences, and texts, which requires background knowledge, vocabulary, and inferential thinking.
Textual elements like headlines, titles, boldface, and italics augment comprehension by directing attention and providing framework for understanding. Effective comprehension strategies include being proactive as a reader through looking up unknown words, taking notes, asking questions, and employing strategic prediction based on linguistic and contextual cues from the text. Furthermore, sensitivity to word choice, or diction, helps readers delve deeper into a text's meaning beyond the surface level.
Ultimately, the sophistication of a reader's understanding is bolstered by an iterative process of interpretation that involves drawing on personal experiences, contextual knowledge, and the intricate relationships between language and thought. The collaboration of word recognition and language comprehension ensures thorough reading comprehension, critical analysis, and evaluation of a text. Based on this explanation, the correct answer to the question is:
d. Both are equally important.