Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What are the foundational components that comprehension builds on?

1. Images, sounds, and smells

2. Reading strategies and oral language vocabulary

3. Prior knowledge and guessing

4. Only the content of the text

The correct answer is: Reading strategies and oral language vocabulary

The choice that highlights reading strategies and oral language vocabulary as foundational components of comprehension is particularly significant because these elements are crucial for understanding and interpreting text. Reading strategies provide learners with the tools to approach reading tasks, such as predicting, summarizing, and questioning, which enhance their ability to grasp the meaning of what they read. Oral language vocabulary, on the other hand, refers to the extent of words a learner knows and can use in spoken language, which directly supports their ability to understand written texts. A rich vocabulary enables readers to connect words to their meanings within the context of a passage, improving overall comprehension. In contrast to the other options, reading strategies and oral language vocabulary form the bedrock of effective reading comprehension. Options that suggest images, sounds, and smells focus on sensory experiences rather than the cognitive processes needed for understanding text. While prior knowledge is important, merely guessing often leads to misunderstanding and becomes an unreliable strategy for comprehending complex material. Finally, the limitation of comprehension to only the content of the text overlooks the dynamic nature of reading, where interaction with prior knowledge and the application of strategies plays a vital role. Therefore, B accurately reflects the comprehensive skills that underpin effective reading comprehension.