How can summarizing a text benefit reading comprehension?

Summarizing a text enhances reading comprehension by clarifying the main ideas and themes. When a reader summarizes, they are forced to distill the information, identify what is most important, and understand the text's overall message. This process helps to reinforce retention and allows the reader to see connections between concepts, which contributes to a deeper understanding of the material. By focusing on the central ideas, the reader can more easily recall the main points and apply them, both in discussion and in future reading. This skill is vital for effective comprehension, as it enables readers to engage actively with the content rather than passively consuming it.