Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What are the benefits of comparing different books by the same author?

1. It helps avoid repetition in reading

2. It assists in memorizing the author's biography

3. It allows students to make text-to-text connections and understand the author's style

4. It focuses on learning the historical context of the books

The correct answer is: It allows students to make text-to-text connections and understand the author's style

Choosing to compare different books by the same author significantly enhances students' understanding of both the texts and the author's unique style and themes. When students engage in this comparison, they can make connections between the stories, characters, and ideas presented in the different works. It enriches their comprehension by enabling them to identify common threads, such as the author’s recurring motifs or narrative techniques. This practice encourages deeper analysis and critical thinking about how the author's background, perspective, and choices shape the messages conveyed in their writing. Other options, while they may offer some value, do not capture the primary benefits of this comparative approach as effectively. For example, avoiding repetition in reading does not directly contribute to a deeper understanding of the author's craft, nor does focusing solely on memorizing the author's biography or the historical context provide the same breadth of insight into the text itself.