Top-down means ‘attend to the overall meaning’. What does ‘bottom-up’ mean?

The correct option is Focus on the words and phrases of the text.

Explanation:

In language learning and reading comprehension, processing strategies are generally divided into two main types: top-down and bottom-up processing.

1. Top-down processing: This approach focuses on the macro-level or big picture. It relies on the reader's background knowledge, context, and overall understanding of the topic to grasp the main ideas and gist of the text.

2. Bottom-up processing: This approach works from the micro-level upwards. It emphasizes analyzing individual components of language first—such as letters, individual words, phrases, and grammar structures—and building up from these details to construct the overall meaning of the text.

Therefore, while top-down means attending to the overall meaning or general concept, bottom-up means focusing on the words and phrases of the text.