What is the relationship between reading and writing development?

The correct answer highlights a fundamental principle in literacy development: reading significantly enhances vocabulary and understanding of text structures, which are critical components of effective writing. When individuals read, they encounter diverse vocabulary, sentence structures, and various genres of text. This exposure not only helps to build their vocabulary but also allows them to observe how different authors organize ideas, develop themes, and structure arguments.

As readers engage with texts, they absorb language patterns and stylistic techniques that can be applied to their own writing. This reciprocal relationship illustrates how strong reading skills contribute to improved writing abilities; as one becomes more proficient in reading, they naturally gain insights that enhance their writing.

The other choices suggest a disconnect between reading and writing or overstate the independence of one from the other, which does not reflect the reality of how these two skills interact and support each other in the process of literacy development.