RICA RICA Background Knowledge and Text Structures

Question 1

What is 'schema theory,' and how does it explain the role of background knowledge in reading comprehension?

Accepted Answer

Schema theory proposes that readers organize prior knowledge into mental frameworks (schemas) that they activate during reading to interpret, connect, and remember new information

Answer

Schema theory explains how the brain converts print into sounds during decoding

Answer

Schema theory is a model of how memory develops from infancy through adulthood

Answer

Schema theory explains why students with larger vocabularies are better spellers

Question 2

What is the most common organizational structure of narrative (story) text, and what elements does it typically include?

Accepted Answer

Story grammar: setting, characters, problem/conflict, rising action, climax, resolution, and theme

Answer

Introduction, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion

Answer

Claim, evidence, counterclaim, and rebuttal

Answer

Problem, causes, effects, and proposed solutions

Question 3

A teacher activates prior knowledge before a science reading by asking students what they already know about volcanoes. How does this instructional step support comprehension?

Accepted Answer

It surfaces existing schemas students can use as mental frameworks to connect and integrate new information from the text, improving understanding and retention

Answer

It replaces the need to read the text since students already have background knowledge

Answer

It is primarily a motivational technique with minimal impact on actual comprehension

Answer

It assesses vocabulary knowledge rather than supporting comprehension

Question 4

Which nonfiction text structure uses signal words such as 'because,' 'therefore,' 'as a result,' and 'consequently'?

Accepted Answer

Cause-and-effect text structure

Answer

Compare-and-contrast text structure

Answer

Chronological/sequence text structure

Answer

Problem-solution text structure

Question 5

Why is building content knowledge through disciplinary reading (science, social studies, history texts) important for developing reading comprehension?

Accepted Answer

Content-area knowledge builds the background schemas that students need to comprehend texts in those fields, creating a virtuous cycle where more knowledge enables better comprehension of more complex texts

Answer

Disciplinary reading only benefits students who plan to study those specific subjects in college

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Content knowledge is entirely separate from reading comprehension and does not influence it

Answer

Reading comprehension is solely a skills-based ability that develops independently of content knowledge

Question 6

A teacher asks students to create a Venn diagram while reading a text comparing two types of government. Which text structure is the teacher helping students recognize?

Accepted Answer

Compare-and-contrast text structure

Answer

Cause-and-effect text structure

Answer

Descriptive text structure

Answer

Chronological sequence text structure