When assessing reading ability and comprehension, what is the teacher primarily looking for?

When assessing reading ability and comprehension, a teacher primarily focuses on the understanding of high-frequency English words. This is crucial because high-frequency words are the building blocks of language and literacy. Mastery of these words allows students to read more fluently and with better comprehension, as they form the core vocabulary present in many texts.

A strong grasp of high-frequency English words supports the ability to decode and comprehend various reading materials, which is essential for overall reading proficiency. When students are familiar with the most commonly used words, they can focus more on the content and meaning of the text rather than struggling with word recognition. This foundational vocabulary is key to developing deeper reading skills and enhancing students' ability to engage with diverse texts.

In contrast, accuracy in pronunciation, relating texts to personal experiences, and use of complex vocabulary, while important aspects of reading and literacy, do not define overall reading ability and comprehension as directly as the understanding of high-frequency English. These factors may contribute to a richer reading experience but are secondary to the fundamental requirement of recognizing and understanding core vocabulary for effective reading.