FTCE Reading K-12 Practice Exam

Which aspect of vocabulary encompasses words commonly recognized during reading?

1. Written vocabulary

2. Passive vocabulary

3. Active vocabulary

4. Oral vocabulary

The correct answer is: Passive vocabulary

The aspect of vocabulary that includes words commonly recognized during reading is indeed referred to as passive vocabulary. Passive vocabulary consists of those words that readers can understand when they encounter them in written form but might not necessarily use in their own writing or speech. This type of vocabulary is fundamental to comprehension, as it allows readers to construct meaning from texts without needing to actively recall or use those words themselves. In contrast, active vocabulary refers to words that a person can not only recognize but also use in writing and speaking, while oral vocabulary specifically highlights spoken words rather than written recognition. Written vocabulary broadly covers words one can read but does not distinguish between active and passive usage. Therefore, passive vocabulary is the key term that best describes the recognition of words during the reading process.