Answer :
Final answer:
Research yields mixed results on silent independent reading’s effectiveness for reading skills and comprehension. Hence, the correct option is a.
Explanation:
Recent research suggests that silent independent reading can have a variety of effects on reading skills and comprehension, with some studies highlighting positive outcomes while others show minimal impact. For example, active engagement with music during silent reading has shown to improve reading comprehension in some cases, as observed in a study by Sahebdel & Khodadust (2014) which found that background music had a significantly positive effect on EFL learners' comprehension. Furthermore, intervention studies have indicated that music-related activities can enhance phonological awareness and support the decoding of written material. However, regarding silent reading without music, the evidence is mixed, and it is often suggested that it should be supplemented with guided reading activities to maximize effectiveness