What term refers to the prior knowledge and experiences a reader brings to a text?

The term that best describes the prior knowledge and experiences a reader brings to a text is "schema." This concept relates to the cognitive structures that help individuals organize and interpret information based on their previous experiences. When readers engage with a text, they activate their schemas, allowing them to connect new information to what they already know, thus enhancing comprehension and retention.

In contrast, context refers to the circumstances surrounding the text, including the environment in which it is read, historical background, or cultural influences. Though context can influence understanding, it does not capture the individual prior knowledge that the reader possesses. The theme relates to the central message or underlying idea of a text, which is distinct from the personal experiences of the reader. Lastly, a framework is a broader structure or system that can guide understanding but does not specifically pertain to personal knowledge or experience as schema does.