Define literal comprehension.

The concept of literal comprehension refers specifically to grasping the explicit meaning of a text. This includes recognizing facts, details, and straightforward interpretations that are directly stated in the text. When a reader is engaged in literal comprehension, they are focusing on the surface level of the material, which encompasses understanding the actual words, sentences, and specific information presented by the author.

This foundational understanding is crucial because it serves as the basis for deeper comprehension skills, such as interpreting themes or author's intentions, which require a reader to think beyond what is literally written. Therefore, being able to clearly understand and interpret the explicit meaning is essential for building upon more complex reading skills.