What is the purpose of providing background knowledge before reading a text?

Providing background knowledge before reading a text serves to prepare students and enhance their understanding of the content. This strategy is essential because it connects new information to prior knowledge, enabling students to make sense of the material they are encountering. When students have relevant background knowledge, they are better equipped to comprehend the text, identify key ideas, and engage more actively with the content. This preparation can also boost their confidence and motivation, as they feel more equipped to tackle the reading assignment.

Moreover, this approach is particularly beneficial in fostering critical thinking, as it encourages students to draw connections between what they already know and the new information presented in the text. By establishing a foundation of understanding, students are more likely to retain what they read and apply it meaningfully.