What aspect of reading can represent a barrier to students' macro processes?

The correct choice highlights how inconsistent reading strategies can impede students' macro processes in reading, which refer to the overarching skills necessary for comprehension and analysis of text. When students do not apply consistent strategies—such as summarizing, asking questions, or making connections—they may struggle to fully grasp the material they read. This inconsistency can lead to gaps in understanding or difficulty in synthesizing information, which are critical for effective reading and comprehension.

In contrast, understanding only basic vocabulary, while it can be a limitation, does not directly address the processing strategies students employ while reading. Familiarity with literary genres affects comprehension but is more about content knowledge than the strategies themselves. Passive reading habits may impact engagement and retention but do not specifically describe the cognitive strategies needed for processing information effectively. Therefore, inconsistent reading strategies pose a direct barrier to students' ability to engage with and make sense of complex texts.