What is the primary function of anticipation guides in reading activities?

The primary function of anticipation guides in reading activities is to activate prior knowledge and set a reading purpose. This tool typically presents statements or questions related to the themes or concepts of the upcoming reading material. By engaging students' prior knowledge, anticipation guides encourage them to think critically about what they already know and what they expect to learn, which can enhance their understanding and retention of the new information.

This approach helps students make connections between their existing knowledge and the content they are about to encounter, fostering a more meaningful reading experience. It also motivates students to read with a specific purpose, as they take note of their predictions and compare them to the actual text after reading.