Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

How does making predictions support reading comprehension?

1. By helping readers memorize each word

2. By allowing readers to skip difficult parts

3. By preventing readers from making connections to the text

4. By helping readers gather information and sequence story events

The correct answer is: By helping readers gather information and sequence story events

Making predictions is a key strategy in reading comprehension, as it engages readers in actively thinking about the text and what might happen next. This process encourages readers to use their prior knowledge and the clues from the text to anticipate events, which enhances understanding. When readers make predictions, they gather information from the text and use it to answer questions about what might occur, thereby creating a framework to sequence story events. This anticipation fosters a deeper connection with the material, allowing readers to monitor their understanding as they read. If their predictions are confirmed or contradicted, they can adjust their comprehension strategies, which leads to a more immersive reading experience. This interconnectedness helps solidify the reader's grasp of the overall narrative structure and themes presented in the text.