Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What does monitoring comprehension involve?

1. Reading faster

2. Understanding when one does not comprehend

3. Reading without stopping

4. Taking notes during reading

The correct answer is: Understanding when one does not comprehend

Monitoring comprehension is a critical reading strategy that involves being aware of one’s understanding of the material while reading. When a reader is effectively monitoring their comprehension, they can recognize when they do not understand a part of the text, allowing them to take appropriate action to improve their understanding. This could mean re-reading a passage, making notes, asking questions, or discussing the content with others. This skill is essential for deep comprehension because it helps the reader to identify gaps in their understanding and take proactive steps to fill those gaps. Recognizing moments of confusion enables readers to engage more thoughtfully with the text, leading to better retention and interpretation of the material. In contrast, options such as reading faster or without stopping could often detract from comprehension, as they may lead to glossing over important details. Taking notes during reading might help some individuals retain information but does not inherently lead to an awareness of comprehension issues. Therefore, understanding when comprehension breaks down is the fundamental aspect of monitoring comprehension.