How does background knowledge about a topic support comprehension?

Background knowledge plays a crucial role in comprehension by helping individuals contextualize and relate new information to what they already know. When readers encounter new material, their existing knowledge provides a framework that allows them to make connections and understand the new content more deeply. This can lead to improved retention and integration of information, as learners are better able to see how new concepts fit into their existing understanding of the world.

For instance, if a reader is familiar with certain concepts in biology, and they read a passage about human anatomy, their prior knowledge will help them better understand the relationships and functions being described. This ability to connect ideas facilitates a richer comprehension of the text, allowing for more effective learning and recall. Thus, background knowledge enhances comprehension by providing a basis for linking new information with established concepts.