The practice of asking questions at critical points in reading is meant to develop which skill?

The practice of asking questions at critical points during reading is specifically designed to enhance comprehension skills. By prompting readers to think about the material, consider the context, and reflect on what they have read, these questions encourage deeper understanding and engagement with the text. Comprehension is not merely about recalling words but involves interpreting meaning, making connections, and applying knowledge, which questions effectively promote.

When readers engage with questions, they are encouraged to clarify their understanding, predict outcomes, and evaluate the material. This interactive process fosters a reading experience that goes beyond surface-level recognition of words and phrases, allowing readers to construct meaning and develop a more robust understanding of the content. While other skills like fluency, decoding, and phonics are important to reading development, the primary purpose of questioning at critical points is to facilitate comprehension.