What purpose does structural analysis serve in reading?

Structural analysis serves a critical role in reading by assisting students in recognizing morphemes, which are the smallest units of meaning in a language, such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words. This understanding enables students to decode unfamiliar words more effectively, contributing to improved reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. When learners can identify and analyze the components that make up a word, they build stronger connections between words and their meanings, enhancing their ability to tackle more complex texts. This skill is essential, especially when dealing with multisyllabic words and vocabulary that may not be encountered frequently in spoken language.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary purpose of structural analysis. While memorization of texts can aid recall, it does not foster the understanding of word structure. Focusing solely on auditory processing targets listening skills rather than the visual and analytical aspects of reading. Similarly, improving spoken communication skills, while important, does not directly relate to the task of breaking down written language into its constituent morphemes.