How can understanding text structure aid in answering reading comprehension questions?

Understanding text structure is crucial in reading comprehension because it provides a framework for organizing information and identifying the relationships between ideas. Recognizing how a text is arranged—be it through cause and effect, chronological order, problem and solution, or compare and contrast—enables readers to better pinpoint main ideas and supporting details effectively. This understanding allows readers to synthesize information, making it easier to draw conclusions or answer questions related to the text.

For instance, if a passage presents information in a cause-and-effect structure, knowing this can help the reader focus on the specific causes and their resulting effects, which may be central to the text’s message. By identifying these elements, readers can answer comprehension questions with more confidence and clarity, as they have a solid grasp of the content and its organization.

In contrast, memorizing the text, reducing reading time, or ensuring a full understanding of vocabulary does not directly assist with discerning the central ideas or how they are supported within the text, which is essential for effective comprehension and answering questions correctly.