Decoding of a text, step by step from the smallest elements, for example sounds or letters, gradually building up to larger units of meaning such as sentences. Which term describes this?

Decoding of a text, step by step from the smallest elements, for example sounds or letters, gradually building up to larger units of meaning such as sentences. Which term describes this?

• A. Bottom-up processing
• B. Cognitive style
• C. Affective filter
• D. Achievement strategy

Answer: (A)

Bottom-up processing involves decoding text starting with the smallest units—phonemes and letters—and progressively combining them to form words, then phrases, and finally sentences to build meaning. This step-by-step, data-driven approach matches the description of starting with sounds or letters and constructing larger units of meaning. The other terms don’t describe this process: cognitive style relates to preferred ways of processing information; the affective filter involves emotional factors that can influence language learning; and an achievement strategy is about planning how to reach learning goals. So the best fit is bottom-up processing.

Bottom-up processing involves decoding text starting with the smallest units—phonemes and letters—and progressively combining them to form words, then phrases, and finally sentences to build meaning. This step-by-step, data-driven approach matches the description of starting with sounds or letters and constructing larger units of meaning. The other terms don’t describe this process: cognitive style relates to preferred ways of processing information; the affective filter involves emotional factors that can influence language learning; and an achievement strategy is about planning how to reach learning goals. So the best fit is bottom-up processing.