Which statement describes the relationship between vocabulary and comprehension?

The correct choice highlights that vocabulary instruction significantly enhances students' ability to understand texts. Vocabulary knowledge is a critical component of reading comprehension. When students possess a robust vocabulary, they can more readily make sense of the words and concepts within a text. This understanding allows them to engage more deeply with the material, draw connections, and grasp the overall meaning.

Instruction focused on expanding vocabulary helps students decipher unfamiliar terms, which in turn improves their comprehension skills. By learning the meanings, usages, and contexts of words, students are better equipped to interpret and analyze texts effectively. Thus, the relationship between vocabulary and comprehension is direct and symbiotic; as vocabulary grows, so does the capacity for comprehension, emphasizing the importance of vocabulary instruction in literacy development.