Which of the following is a key aspect of effective reading goal-setting?

Creating specific and measurable goals is a fundamental component of effective reading goal-setting. When goals are clearly defined, they provide a concrete target for learners to aim for, which can enhance motivation and accountability. Specific goals help to clarify what exactly the reader intends to achieve—for instance, aiming to read a certain number of books within a month or improving comprehension skills to a particular level—making it easier to track progress.

Measurable goals allow both the learner and the instructor to assess progress objectively. For instance, instead of stating a broad objective like "become a better reader," setting a goal such as "increase vocabulary by 50 new words within the next six weeks" enables consistent measurement of progress and encourages ongoing engagement. This approach not only fosters a sense of achievement as learners meet their targets but also allows for adjustments to be made based on their performance.

In contrast, vague and broad objectives lack clarity and can lead to confusion about expectations and outcomes. Avoiding feedback neglects a critical part of the learning process, and concentrating solely on independent reading time disregards the additional strategies and planned interventions that contribute to overall literacy development. Thus, the emphasis on specificity and measurability in goal-setting is crucial for guiding effective reading practices.