What refers to a language user's knowledge of words, important for reading activities?

Vocabulary refers to a language user's knowledge of words and their meanings, which plays a crucial role in reading activities. A strong vocabulary allows individuals to understand texts more deeply and engage with the material effectively. It encompasses not only the recognition of words but also the ability to understand their usage in different contexts, which is essential for comprehension.

Without a robust vocabulary, a reader may struggle to grasp the meanings of sentences or engage with more complex texts, hindering overall literacy development. This foundational aspect of language proficiency is vital for all reading-related tasks, from basic comprehension to critical analysis and inferencing. Thus, recognizing vocabulary as central to language use highlights its importance in reading and educational strategies.