Glossary · Reading science and reading difficulty
What is the Simple View of Reading?
Definition
The Simple View of Reading says reading comprehension is the product of word recognition and language comprehension: if either is zero, comprehension is zero.
Philip Gough and William Tunmer proposed it in 1986, written as a formula: decoding times language comprehension equals reading comprehension. The multiplication is the point. A student who decodes perfectly but doesn't understand the language won't comprehend. Nor will a student who understands everything but can't read the words.
The model gives four broad profiles. Strong in both: a good reader. Weak decoding, strong language: a pattern often seen in dyslexia. Strong decoding, weak language: a student who reads aloud well but understands little. Weak in both: a student who needs help on both fronts.
It's simple on purpose. Each half contains many skills, which is where models like the reading rope add detail.
In a lesson
A third grader reads aloud slowly and understands little, but answers every question when the passage is read to her. Her language comprehension is strong; word recognition is the gap.
Why does this matter for the record?
Note both halves when you record comprehension: how well the student reads the words, and how well they understand when listening.
Rate each skill as you teach it
Needs support, Developing, Secure. The rating schedules the review and builds the report.