TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

Based on the knowledge rating chart activity, what is the next step for students after self-assessing their vocabulary knowledge?

1. Make index cards of each word

2. Define each word they don't know using a dictionary

3. Use each word in a sentence

4. Predict meanings of the words prior to reading

The correct answer is: Predict meanings of the words prior to reading

The next step for students after self-assessing their vocabulary knowledge is to predict the meanings of the words prior to reading. This strategy helps students engage with the text before they encounter it, allowing them to activate prior knowledge and make informed guesses about unfamiliar vocabulary. This predictive activity can spark curiosity, enhance comprehension, and encourage students to think critically about the context in which the words may appear, thereby reinforcing their engagement with the reading material. Additionally, predictions can serve as a guide for the students as they read, enabling them to adjust their understanding in real-time as they encounter the actual usage of the words in the text. This approach aligns well with active learning practices, fostering a more interactive reading experience and enhancing vocabulary acquisition in a meaningful way. Making index cards, defining words using a dictionary, or using words in sentences are all valuable activities for vocabulary development but are typically more effective as follow-up activities rather than initial ones, as they assume the students will already have some groundwork laid for understanding the vocabulary in context.