Why is "prior knowledge" important for effective reading?

"Prior knowledge" plays a crucial role in effective reading because it provides a framework for understanding new information. When readers engage with a text, their existing knowledge and experiences allow them to make connections with the content they are encountering. This framework helps them to interpret and integrate new ideas more effectively, making reading a more meaningful and enriching experience.

For instance, if a reader has background knowledge on a specific topic, such as climate change, they are better equipped to understand and analyze new information presented in a text about environmental science. This ability to activate pre-existing knowledge can enhance comprehension and retention, as the reader can build on what they already know rather than starting from scratch.

In contrast, the other options, while possibly having some merit in different contexts, do not fully capture the primary role of prior knowledge in reading comprehension. Therefore, understanding how prior knowledge functions as a framework is essential for grasping its importance in the reading process.