Which strategy best supports English learners by building background knowledge prior to reading?

• A. Previewing unfamiliar vocabulary before reading aloud
• B. Rereading the same book repeatedly
• C. Drawing pictures while listening
• D. Exposing learners to different topics after reading

Answer: (A)

Building background knowledge before reading helps English learners understand and access the text by providing the key terms, concepts, and context they will encounter. Previewing unfamiliar vocabulary before reading aloud does exactly that: it introduces important words and ideas ahead of time, giving students a foundation to attach new information to. When learners know the meanings of key terms, they can focus more on how the ideas fit together in the text instead of getting stuck on vocabulary barriers, which supports comprehension and confidence.

Other strategies here don’t set up understanding before reading in the same way. Rereading the same book emphasizes fluency and reinforcement after initial exposure, not pre-reading preparation. Drawing pictures while listening supports understanding during or after reading but doesn’t build the necessary background knowledge before the text. Exposing learners to different topics after reading is a post-reading activity, not a pre-reading one, so it doesn’t prime them for understanding the upcoming text.