IMPORTANCE OF LEXICAL COMPETENCE IN READING COMPREHENSION IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

This article explores the importance of lexical competence in enhancing middle school students' reading comprehension in a foreign language. Lexical competence, comprising vocabulary knowledge and its practical application, is essential for decoding and understanding texts. The study emphasizes the role of systematic lexical relationships, such as word formation and contextual connections, in fostering comprehension skills. Practical teaching strategies, including explicit vocabulary instruction, contextual learning, and word formation practice, are highlighted as critical for developing students' ability to process and analyze texts effectively. This integrated approach aligns with the developmental and educational goals of middle school language instruction.