Why is developing students' knowledge of text structure important?

Developing students' knowledge of text structure is crucial because it directly enhances their ability to comprehend and recall information. When students are familiar with how different types of texts are organized—such as recognizing headings, subheadings, the sequence of events, cause-and-effect relationships, or the layout of a narrative—they can more effectively navigate through the material. This understanding helps them to connect ideas, anticipate what comes next, and organize information mentally, all of which are essential for successful reading comprehension.

This comprehension skill is foundational for higher-order thinking and can significantly improve students' engagement with texts, enabling them to extract main ideas and details more efficiently. By grasping the structure of a text, students become empowered to ask relevant questions, summarize content, and make inferences, thereby enhancing their overall learning experience.