What does effective summarizing do for readers after they complete a text?

Effective summarizing plays a crucial role in reinforcing a reader's comprehension of the text. When readers summarize after finishing a piece, they engage in a cognitive process that requires them to distill the main ideas and key concepts of the material they just read. This active engagement helps solidify their understanding and improves the likelihood that they will retain that information long-term.

By summarizing, readers are not merely recalling details but synthesizing the information, which aids in memory retention and comprehension. This process also allows them to identify what they have learned and clarify any lingering questions they might have about the text. Consequently, summarizing is an integral step in the reading process that enhances a reader’s overall experience and understanding.