Why is building background knowledge important for reading comprehension?

Building background knowledge is crucial for reading comprehension because it provides context that enhances a reader's understanding of the material. When students have prior knowledge about a topic, they are better able to connect new information to what they already know, which allows them to make inferences, draw conclusions, and retain information more effectively.

For example, if a student is reading about marine life but previously learned about ocean ecosystems, they can better understand the complexities of the text, identify relationships between different species, and grasp the significance of environmental changes. Without that foundational knowledge, the same student might struggle to comprehend the material, missing out on important themes and concepts.

Overall, background knowledge acts as a scaffold that supports deeper engagement with the text, leading to improved comprehension and critical thinking skills.