Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

Why is it essential for readers to develop the ability to search efficiently in digital texts?

1. To find online shopping discounts

2. To make bookmarks

3. To make meaning from digital texts and locate relevant information quickly

4. To use fewer internet resources

The correct answer is: To find online shopping discounts

The ability to search efficiently in digital texts is essential primarily because it enhances a reader's capacity to make meaning from the material and locate relevant information quickly. In our increasingly digital world, where vast amounts of information are readily available, the ability to navigate through text efficiently allows readers to extract key concepts, confirm facts, and synthesize information relevant to their needs. This skill not only improves comprehension but also facilitates critical thinking as readers assess the credibility of sources and data. The other choices focus on more limited purposes, such as finding discounts, which, while useful, do not encompass the broader educational and comprehension benefits that efficient searching provides. Making bookmarks is a practical tool for organization, but it does not address the underlying necessity of understanding and engaging with the content. Similarly, using fewer internet resources does not contribute to developing deeper reading skills or comprehension, as effective reading in digital environments often requires navigating many resources to gather comprehensive insights.