IMPROVING READING COMPREHENSION: COGNITIVE AND PEDAGOGICAL APPROACHES

<div>Reading comprehension is a critical skill for language learners, particularly in contexts such as second language acquisition (SLA) and standardized language testing (e.g., IELTS, CEFR). A prevalent challenge among learners is the ability to understand the overall meaning of a passage despite being familiar with individual words or their translations. This paper examines the cognitive processes underlying reading comprehension and suggests pedagogical strategies to enhance understanding by focusing on the meaning rather than relying on word-for-word translation. Key approaches discussed include active reading, contextual understanding, vocabulary acquisition, and paraphrasing techniques, alongside a review of relevant research.</div>