A blank connection, as you've described it, often refers to a text-to-world connection. This type of connection occurs when a reader relates the themes, ideas, or events in a text to larger concepts or real-world occurrences outside the text. These connections can involve personal experiences, historical events, or societal issues that resonate with what is being read.
For example, reading about a character facing social injustice in a novel might lead a reader to think about current events related to civil rights or equality. This kind of connection enriches the reading experience by allowing readers to engage with the material on a deeper, more personal level and to reflect on how the text relates to the broader human experience.
Encouraging readers to make these kinds of connections can foster critical thinking and help them better understand both the text and the world around them.