What is the primary benefit of having students think of related words to a new topic before reading?

Having students think of related words to a new topic before reading primarily reinforces their vocabulary related to the text’s topic. This practice prepares students by connecting prior knowledge to new concepts, which enhances comprehension. By activating their existing vocabulary and relating it to the new content, students are more likely to understand and retain the information when they encounter those terms in the reading material. This reinforcement can lead to a deeper understanding of the text, as students will be able to draw upon their related words and concepts while interpreting the new information presented in the reading.