Which of the following processes is part of decoding in reading?

Decoding in reading primarily involves the recognition of visual symbols, which is foundational for understanding written language. This process entails translating printed words into sounds, enabling readers to form words and ultimately comprehend text. The ability to recognize letters, phonemes, and the way they combine to create words is crucial for fluent reading.

In contrast, paraphrasing, summarizing, and identifying themes are more advanced cognitive processes that occur after decoding. These skills involve comprehension and interpretation of text rather than the initial mechanical process of reading itself. They require a deeper understanding of the content and context, which builds upon the basic skill of recognizing visual symbols. Thus, the recognition of visual symbols is key to effective decoding and is a critical first step in the reading process.