Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

Which type of comprehension involves reading exactly what is written?

1. Inferential Comprehension

2. Evaluative Comprehension

3. Literal Comprehension

4. Critical Comprehension

The correct answer is: Literal Comprehension

Literal comprehension is the type of comprehension that focuses on understanding the explicit content of a text. When readers engage in literal comprehension, they are capable of recalling facts, details, and specific information directly stated in the material without making inferences or opinions. This level of comprehension is foundational as it enables students to grasp the basic meaning of the text before they can move on to deeper analysis. For example, if a text states that "The cat is on the mat," a reader demonstrating literal comprehension would know that the cat is indeed on the mat, having understood it precisely as written. This is also essential for building further skills like inferential or evaluative comprehension, where a reader must interpret information beyond what is directly presented.