What benefit does completing an anticipation guide before reading provide in terms of content-area reading?

Completing an anticipation guide before reading serves to promote students' interest and engagement in new reading material by activating their prior knowledge and encouraging them to make predictions about the content. This engagement creates a framework for learning, allowing students to connect what they already know to new concepts. By presenting statements or questions related to the reading material, the anticipation guide encourages students to think critically and cognitively prepare for the information they are about to encounter. This pre-reading activity can foster a sense of curiosity and investment in the text, ultimately leading to a more attentive and involved reading experience.

While the other options address important aspects of the reading process, such as vocabulary and critical thinking, the primary benefit of using an anticipation guide lies in its ability to engage students and draw them into the subject matter, setting a positive tone for learning.