What is the effect of background knowledge on reading comprehension?

Background knowledge plays a crucial role in reading comprehension, particularly in enhancing the understanding of new concepts. When readers encounter new material, having relevant background knowledge enables them to make connections between what they already know and the information being presented. This connection facilitates a deeper understanding, as it allows the reader to integrate new details with existing cognitive frameworks.

For instance, if a reader is familiar with the basic principles of ecosystems, they will likely have an easier time grasping a text about biodiversity than someone without that foundational knowledge. This prior knowledge acts as a lens through which the new information is interpreted and understood, ultimately improving comprehension and retention. Therefore, when students have a strong background knowledge base relative to the text, their ability to analyze and critically engage with the material is significantly boosted, making option B the most accurate representation of the effect of background knowledge on reading comprehension.