Should the first reading skill you teach be how to compare and contrast?

Teaching students to compare and contrast can be a complex skill that requires a solid foundation in other reading skills first. Starting with basic reading comprehension techniques—such as identifying main ideas, understanding vocabulary in context, and recognizing the structure of texts—builds the necessary skills to effectively analyze and differentiate information.

Once students have a good grasp of these foundational skills, they are more prepared to tackle more complex tasks like comparing and contrasting, which involve critical thinking and synthesis of information. Not every student develops these skills at the same pace, so introducing advanced skills too early may hinder their understanding and engagement with the text.

Therefore, it's essential to prioritize foundational reading skills before moving on to more sophisticated analytical techniques, making "false" the appropriate answer to the question.