Which of the following are the two main emphases of the reading approach?

Improving reading ability and historical knowledge is the correct emphasis of the reading approach because this approach focuses primarily on enhancing students' ability to comprehend and interpret written texts. It encompasses developing skills like decoding, making inferences, and understanding context, which are crucial for effective reading.

At the same time, historical knowledge often comes into play as a way to provide context to the material being read, cultivating deeper understanding and engagement with texts, especially in subjects that have historical significance or cultural relevance. This dual focus not only enriches the reading experience but also supports critical thinking and analytical skills, essential components of literacy and education as a whole.

Other options emphasize skills like speaking fluently or translation, which are not the primary focus of the reading approach, as they pertain more to oral communication and the specifics of language use rather than comprehension of written language.