Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What role does prior knowledge play in reading comprehension?

1. It often confuses the reader

2. It creates barriers to understanding complexities of texts

3. It enhances the ability to connect with new ideas

4. It has little impact on the reading process

The correct answer is: It enhances the ability to connect with new ideas

Prior knowledge plays a significant role in reading comprehension by enhancing the ability to connect with new ideas. When readers engage with a text, they draw upon their existing knowledge and experiences to make sense of the material. This background knowledge helps them to relate new information to what they already understand, facilitating deeper comprehension and retention of the content. For instance, if a student has prior knowledge about a particular topic, such as ecosystems, they are more likely to understand and engage with a text discussing environmental science. Their familiarity with concepts and vocabulary related to ecosystems allows them to better predict, infer, and analyze the information presented, making the reading experience more meaningful. Utilizing prior knowledge enables readers to fill in gaps, ask relevant questions, and create mental images that support understanding. This interaction between new and existing knowledge is crucial for effective comprehension, as it allows readers to weave together various ideas and concepts into a coherent understanding of the text.