Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

Which activity can help promote a love of reading in school environments?

1. Requiring students to read the same book simultaneously

2. Giving students multiple opportunities to read books of their choice

3. Focusing only on non-fiction texts

4. Limiting reading activities to the classroom

The correct answer is: Requiring students to read the same book simultaneously

The choice that best promotes a love of reading in school environments is giving students multiple opportunities to read books of their choice. Allowing students to select what they read fosters autonomy and encourages them to engage with texts that interest them personally. When students feel empowered to choose their own reading materials, they are more likely to develop intrinsic motivation and a lasting enjoyment of reading. Additionally, reading a variety of genres that resonate with individual preferences can deepen comprehension and retention, making the reading experience more enjoyable and meaningful. This approach aligns with best practices in literacy education, which emphasize the importance of student choice in cultivating a positive reading culture. Requiring students to read the same book simultaneously may lead to disengagement, especially if the text does not appeal to all students. Focusing solely on non-fiction texts can limit exposure to diverse narratives and diminish the enjoyment that fiction can offer. Lastly, restricting reading activities to the classroom environment stifles opportunities for exploration and discovery that can occur outside of school, further diminishing enthusiasm for reading.