How does analyzing graphics before reading an informational text benefit students’ reading development?

Analyzing graphics before reading an informational text promotes the synthesis of information presented in different formats by allowing students to connect visual elements with the textual content. This process helps students to understand how various forms of information, such as charts, graphs, diagrams, or illustrations, complement and enhance the narrative or arguments made in the written material. By examining the graphics first, students can form a mental framework that aids in integrating and organizing the information as they read. This strategic approach ultimately supports deeper comprehension and retention of the material, as students are better equipped to see relationships between concepts represented in both visual and textual forms.

The other options, while beneficial in their own right, focus on different aspects of reading development. For instance, summarizing a text, using graphic organizers effectively, and making inferences are all important skills, but they do not specifically address the unique benefits derived from the synthesis of information through the analysis of graphics prior to reading. This synthesis is critical, especially in informational texts where multiple types of information are presented simultaneously.