Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

How can background knowledge enhance reading comprehension?

1. By making words easier to pronounce

2. By allowing readers to relate new information to what they already know

3. By increasing reading speed

4. By replacing the need for context clues

The correct answer is: By allowing readers to relate new information to what they already know

Background knowledge enhances reading comprehension by allowing readers to relate new information to what they already know. When individuals encounter new texts, their understanding is often informed by their previous experiences and knowledge. This connection enables them to make inferences, grasp themes, and integrate the new information into their existing mental frameworks. For example, if a reader already knows about a specific historical event, they can better understand a narrative that references it, resulting in deeper comprehension. In contrast, making words easier to pronounce does not directly impact comprehension, as comprehension focuses more on meaning rather than pronunciation. While increasing reading speed can be beneficial, it does not necessarily result in better understanding of the text if a reader rushes through without processing the content fully. Lastly, while context clues are useful for deciphering unknown words or phrases, they do not replace the fundamental role that background knowledge plays in fostering overall comprehension of a text.