Reading is an active and conscious process which involves making meaning from print (words and ideas) and graphic information (illustrations, diagrams etc). This strand equips learners with the necessary language knowledge to read different types of texts with comprehension. Language knowledge includes the purposes and contexts of texts, vocabulary and word meanings, phonics, the structures and conventions of English (grammar) and the ways in which these work together to build meaning in sentences, paragraphs and whole texts. This strand also develops learners’ ability to integrate language knowledge with the use of strategies in order to read efficiently and critically and to respond in a variety of ways to text. These strategies include predicting, skimming, scanning, linking and evaluating ideas, regulating speed and reading ahead. Across all levels, there is an emphasis on developing the ability to read independently and critically for learning and for pleasure. Where possible, this will include learning ways of researching and reading texts on-line.