1. Reading involves decoding symbols to derive meaning from text and involves three main components: decoding, comprehension, and retention.
2. Factors that influence reading ability include intelligence, motivation, language skills, interests, sensory discrimination abilities, attitudes, home environment, teaching strategies, and more.
3. Common reading difficulties include dyslexia, vocabulary issues, memory problems, omitting words, and attention deficits. Strategies to improve reading comprehension involve visualization, summarization, connecting to prior knowledge, and reflecting on content.