Which skill is essential for effective comprehension of complex texts?

Understanding the text structure is essential for effective comprehension of complex texts because it provides readers with a framework to make sense of the information presented. Recognizing how a text is organized—such as whether it is structured as a narrative, a comparison, or a problem-solution—allows readers to anticipate what type of information to expect and how different parts of the text relate to one another. This structural awareness helps in identifying main ideas, supporting details, and the relationships between concepts, ultimately enhancing understanding and retention of the material.

In contrast, skimming helps only to capture a general sense of the content but may miss deeper nuances and connections. Guessing the content can lead to misinterpretation and a lack of clarity, while ignoring unfamiliar words often results in misunderstandings of critical concepts that are necessary for full comprehension. Thus, awareness of text structure is crucial for navigating the complexities of challenging written material effectively.