Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

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Prepare for the RICA exam with our comprehensive quiz. Enhance your skills using flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Get ready to ace your test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is background knowledge essential for?

Writing effective essays
Comprehending what is being read
Improving speaking skills
Increasing academic language knowledge

The correct answer is: Comprehending what is being read

Background knowledge is essential for comprehending what is being read. When readers encounter a text, having prior knowledge about the subject matter allows them to make connections, understand context, and grasp the meaning of terms and concepts presented in the text. This foundational understanding enables readers to engage with the material more deeply, as they can relate new information to what they already know. Without sufficient background knowledge, readers may struggle to interpret the text accurately or to appreciate the nuances of the author's message. This importance of background knowledge highlights its role as a critical component in the reading process, facilitating greater comprehension and retention of information.