Which of the following best describes reading vocabulary?

Reading vocabulary refers to the collection of words that individuals can recognize and comprehend when encountering them in written text. This encompasses not only the ability to decode the words but also to understand their meanings within the context of the material being read.

The correct response emphasizes that reading vocabulary is specifically related to words that one encounters in print, highlighting the importance of readability and comprehension in written language as opposed to spoken communication. This distinction is critical as individuals may possess a larger spoken vocabulary compared to what they can understand when reading.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that don't fully capture the essence of reading vocabulary. The option that describes words recognized or used in speaking pertains more to oral vocabulary, which is a separate skill set. Words that are informal or slang do not represent the broader scope of vocabulary typically encountered in a range of texts. Finally, while technical words in literature may be part of reading vocabulary, they represent only a specific subset rather than encompassing the wide array of words used in general reading comprehension. Therefore, the choice that identifies words recognized or used in print is the most accurate and comprehensive definition of reading vocabulary.