Which statement is true regarding the relationship between phonics and reading comprehension?

The relationship between phonics and reading comprehension is foundational in the process of learning to read. Phonics involves the understanding of the relationships between letters and sounds, which enables readers to decode words. When students develop strong phonics skills, they are better equipped to read words accurately and fluently. This fluency is crucial for reading comprehension, as it allows readers to focus their cognitive resources on understanding the meaning of the text rather than getting bogged down by individual words.

In essence, phonics skills provide the tools necessary for students to decode text, which is the first step towards comprehending what they read. When students can efficiently and accurately decode words, they are able to comprehend more complex texts and engage in deeper levels of understanding. Thus, phonics skills directly contribute to the development of effective reading comprehension abilities.