Visualization as a reading strategy primarily helps in:

• A. Memorizing exact words from the text
• B. Building mental pictures to aid comprehension
• C. Restricting thought processes to surface details
• D. Focusing on background details only

Answer: (B)

Visualization as a reading strategy enhances comprehension by allowing readers to create mental images of the text they are engaging with. This process helps to make the information more tangible and relatable, enabling readers to connect with the material on a deeper level. When readers visualize scenes, characters, or concepts described in a text, they are likely to retain information better and derive greater meaning from it. This strategy supports not just memorization but also the understanding of themes, emotions, and contexts within the reading.

In contrast, memorizing exact words does not foster comprehension on a conceptual level; it focuses merely on recall rather than understanding. Options that suggest restricting thought processes or focusing solely on background details do not align with the goal of visualization, which is to create rich, interconnected mental images that enhance overall comprehension. Therefore, the approach of building mental pictures is fundamentally beneficial for understanding and interpreting text effectively.