New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

How does culture influence reading comprehension?

1. It does not play a role

2. It creates uniform understanding among students

3. Schema affects comprehension based on backgrounds

4. Cultural references are always clear

The correct answer is: Schema affects comprehension based on backgrounds

Culture significantly impacts reading comprehension through the concept of schema, which refers to the mental frameworks that individuals use to organize and interpret information based on their experiences and backgrounds. When students engage with a text, their understanding is influenced by their cultural experiences, knowledge, and the contexts in which they were raised. For example, a student from a specific cultural background may have familiarity with certain themes, idioms, or references that are present in a piece of literature. This familiarity allows them to make connections and derive meaning from the text more effectively than a student who does not share that background. Consequently, when reading materials align with a student's cultural schema, comprehension is enhanced because they can relate personally to the content and themes. Conversely, texts that do not resonate or connect to a student's cultural experiences may lead to misunderstandings or barriers in interpretation. This demonstrates the critical role that cultural context plays in shaping comprehension abilities. As students bring their diverse backgrounds to the reading process, their unique schemas influence how they decode information and form interpretations, making understanding subjective and highly variable among individuals.