Wisconsin FORT (Foundations of Reading) Practice Test

A reader's understanding of text is greatly influenced by their:

1. Background knowledge

2. Dictionary use

3. Phonics skills

4. Speed reading

The correct answer is: Background knowledge

A reader's understanding of text is greatly influenced by their background knowledge. Background knowledge plays a crucial role in comprehension as it helps readers make connections, fill in gaps, and interpret information in the text. Readers use their prior experiences, knowledge, and understanding of the world to make sense of what they are reading. This process enhances comprehension and allows readers to engage more deeply with the text. In contrast, while dictionary use, phonics skills, and speed reading are important aspects of reading, they do not have as significant an impact on a reader's understanding of text as background knowledge does.