Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What does the term "schema" refer to in the context of reading comprehension?

1. The mental structures used to organize knowledge

2. The level of vocabulary proficiency

3. The ability to decode written language

4. The repetition of learned material

The correct answer is: The mental structures used to organize knowledge

The term "schema" refers to the mental structures that individuals use to organize and interpret knowledge and experiences. In the context of reading comprehension, schemas help readers make sense of new information by connecting it to what they already know. When readers encounter a text, they draw upon their existing schemas—frameworks of knowledge about people, events, concepts, and situations—to understand and retain information. This process allows them to integrate new data into their cognitive structure, facilitating deeper comprehension and critical engagement with the material. Understanding how schema works is crucial for teaching reading comprehension strategies, as it highlights the importance of activating prior knowledge before encountering new texts. When readers can relate new information to their existing schemas, they are more likely to comprehend and remember what they read. This concept underscores the connection between knowledge, context, and the interpretation of text, illustrating how schema helps bridge gaps in understanding and enhances overall learning. The other options reflect different aspects of literacy but do not encapsulate the broader cognitive organization role that schemas play in reading comprehension. Vocabulary proficiency, decoding skills, and repetition might contribute to literacy but do not define schema or its impact on comprehension directly.