What does it mean for a text to be at an 'independent' readability level?

A text at an 'independent' readability level means that it can be understood by the reader without any help. This level indicates that the vocabulary, sentence structure, and overall content are accessible enough for the reader to grasp the material on their own. Readers at this level are typically confident in their reading abilities, enabling them to engage with the text, draw meaning from it, and make connections without the need for guidance or support.

In contrast, other options suggest scenarios where assistance is required or the text is deemed too challenging, which would not align with the characteristics of independent reading.