What characterizes a typical reader regarding word reading and oral comprehension?

A typical reader is characterized by both strong decoding skills and strong comprehension. This means they can efficiently recognize and pronounce words (decoding) and understand and interpret those words within the context of the text (comprehension). A well-developed set of decoding skills allows readers to accurately read words, while strong comprehension skills enable them to grasp the meaning behind the text, make inferences, and connect ideas across passages.

Decoding and comprehension are interlinked; effective readers utilize their decoding skills to tackle new words and engage with the material fully, leading to a deeper understanding of what they read. This dual proficiency allows for overall fluency in reading, which is fundamental to enjoying reading and succeeding academically. In contrast, the other options highlight various imbalances in these skills that are not representative of a typical reader profile.