Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

Reading comprehension involves which of the following processes?

1. Only taking meaning from the text

2. Only creating new meanings without prior knowledge

3. Taking meaning from the text and integrating it with prior knowledge

4. Skimming and scanning for key points

The correct answer is: Only taking meaning from the text

The process of reading comprehension is best represented by taking meaning from the text and integrating it with prior knowledge. This comprehensive approach acknowledges that effective reading requires not just understanding the text itself but also connecting new information to what a reader already knows, experiences, and understands about the topic. By integrating prior knowledge, readers can enhance their understanding, draw inferences, and make predictions, which ultimately leads to a deeper comprehension of the text. The other options focus narrowly on aspects of reading that do not capture the full complexity of comprehension. Simply taking meaning from the text ignores the vital role of prior knowledge in enriching understanding. Creating new meanings without prior knowledge does not allow for connection-making, which is crucial for deep comprehension. Skimming and scanning, while useful for gathering information quickly, do not support an in-depth understanding of the material. Therefore, the integration of text and prior knowledge is essential for effective reading comprehension.