Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What is a beneficial strategy for helping struggling readers boost their reading comprehension?

1. Building background knowledge before introducing new texts

2. Assigning difficult tasks before reading

3. Skipping unfamiliar words

4. Avoiding use of graphic organizers

The correct answer is: Building background knowledge before introducing new texts

Building background knowledge before introducing new texts is a beneficial strategy for helping struggling readers boost their reading comprehension because it helps them make connections between what they already know and the new information they are about to encounter. By activating prior knowledge, readers can better understand the text, comprehend the main ideas, and engage more deeply with the material. This strategy also helps build vocabulary and enhance overall reading comprehension skills. Assigning difficult tasks before reading, skipping unfamiliar words, and avoiding the use of graphic organizers are not effective strategies for improving reading comprehension in struggling readers. Assigning difficult tasks before reading can overwhelm students and hinder their ability to comprehend the text. Skipping unfamiliar words can lead to gaps in understanding and inhibit comprehension. Avoiding the use of graphic organizers limits students' ability to organize their thoughts and make connections within the text, which are crucial for comprehension.