FTCE Reading K-12 Practice Exam

What role does vocabulary play in reading comprehension?

1. It has no impact on comprehension

2. It helps readers understand and interpret texts

3. It only affects spelling accuracy

4. It is secondary to phonics skills

The correct answer is: It helps readers understand and interpret texts

Vocabulary plays a crucial role in reading comprehension as it directly influences a reader's ability to understand and interpret texts. A robust vocabulary allows readers to grasp the meanings of words they encounter, which is essential for making sense of sentences and overall text structure. When readers understand the meanings of words, they can make connections to their prior knowledge, derive inferences, and appreciate nuances in the text, all of which contribute to deeper comprehension. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the significance of vocabulary in reading. The idea that vocabulary has no impact on comprehension overlooks the fundamental connection between word knowledge and understanding written language. Suggesting that vocabulary only affects spelling accuracy negates its primary role in comprehension, as knowing how to spell a word does not necessarily mean one understands its meaning or can use it effectively in context. Lastly, the notion that vocabulary is secondary to phonics skills fails to recognize that while phonics is vital for decoding words, a rich vocabulary is equally important for overall comprehension. The ability to recognize words through phonics is essential, but without understanding their meanings and contexts, reading comprehension remains incomplete.