The reader's purpose or intention when reading is also known as the reader's what?

• A. Stance
• B. Prior knowledge
• C. Figure ground
• D. Juncture

Answer: (A)

Understanding why a reader approaches a text is captured by the term stance. The reader’s stance is their purpose, attitude, and overall orientation as they read—what they hope to gain, what questions they want answered, and the perspective they bring to interpretation. This stance guides what they notice, how deeply they analyze details, and which aspects of the text they prioritize.

Prior knowledge refers to what the reader already knows before reading, which can influence understanding but is not the purpose of reading. Figure ground is a term from perception describing how we separate a figure from its background, unrelated to reading goals. Juncture means a point of connection or a moment in time, also not about the reader’s intent when approaching a text.