The document discusses the importance of background knowledge in reading comprehension. It explains that reading is an interactive process between the text and the reader's prior knowledge and experiences. According to schema theory, comprehension involves the reader's knowledge of the world. Different types of background knowledge are discussed, including content knowledge, formal knowledge of genres/styles, and linguistic knowledge. The role of background knowledge is illustrated through questions about a short passage, showing how answers depend on one's background assumptions.

2. Virtuous vs. Vicious Cycle
Someone who…

3. If you…

4. To
become a
better
reader,
you
must…
 have more contact with language.
 have access to different contexts.
 be active collectors of words.
 recycle words.
 be motivated.

5. Understanding the Reading Process
• Reading is an active, fluent process which involves the
reader and the reading material in building meaning.
• Meaning doesn’t reside solely on the printed page or on
the reader’s head.
• The process of reading combines the words on the
printed page with the reader’s background knowledge
and experiences.
(Neil Anderson,1999)

6. Schema Theory
• According to the schema theory, reading
comprehension is an interactive process between the
text and the reader’s background knowledge.
• Reading comprehension involves one’s knowledge of
the world, which may be culturally based and culturally
biased.
(Patricia Carrell, 1983)

7. What Is Background Knowledge?
• It is the information, knowledge, emotion, experience,
and culture that the reader brings to the text.
• New information, new concepts, new ideas, can have
meaning only when they can be related to something
the individual already knows (Kant).

8. What
background
knowledge do
you need to
understand the
text’s implied
meaning?

9. Types of
background
knowledge
• Content: General and
specific information
about something
• Formal: Genres, style,
format, vocabulary
• Linguistic: Necessary
knowledge to decode a
message written in any
given language and
understand how words
are organized in
sentences.

10. What’s the role of background knowledge in our understanding
of texts?
Read this passage. Think about the answers to the questions below:
• How old is Jane?
• How old is Jack?
• What leads you to your answer?
• What sound did Jane expect to hear when she shook her piggy bank?
• What if it is filled with bills and not coins?
•
Jane was invited to Jack’s birthday party. She wondered
if he would like a kite. She went to her room and shook
her piggy bank. It made no sound.