Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

How does prior knowledge aid in reading comprehension?

1. By preventing students from understanding the text

2. By helping students evaluate new information against their existing knowledge

3. By making students forget what they read

4. By focusing only on new vocabulary

The correct answer is: By helping students evaluate new information against their existing knowledge

Prior knowledge plays a crucial role in reading comprehension by providing a framework through which students can interpret and analyze new information. When readers encounter a text, they do not start from scratch; instead, they draw upon their existing knowledge, experiences, and understanding of similar topics. This ability to connect new information to what they already know enhances their comprehension, allowing them to evaluate and reflect on the material more critically and effectively. For instance, if a student is reading about ecosystems but already understands concepts related to food chains from previous lessons, they can better grasp the complexities of the new information. This process of relating new facts to prior experiences not only aids in retention but also encourages deeper understanding and integration of knowledge. In contrast, options that suggest prior knowledge interferes with understanding or solely focuses on new vocabulary do not accurately reflect the positive impact that existing knowledge has on comprehension. A well-rounded understanding requires integrating both prior knowledge and new concepts, rather than disregarding or losing information.