What is the function of captions and diagrams in supporting comprehension?

• A. They provide extra information, clarify text, and aid in locating key ideas
• B. They distract from main ideas
• C. They replace the need to read
• D. They are decorative

Answer: (A)

Captions and diagrams support understanding by adding information, clarifying the text, and guiding students to key ideas. A caption explains what an image or chart shows, provides labels or definitions, and links visuals to the surrounding writing. Diagrams present information visually in ways that reveal relationships, steps, or categories, making patterns easier to see. Together, they help students connect words and pictures, locate where ideas appear in the text, and build a clear mental model of the topic. This supports memory and comprehension, especially for younger readers who benefit from visual supports. They’re not decorations or substitutes for reading; they enhance meaning by pairing text with explanatory visuals.