TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

Which of the following strategies can help English learners engage more effectively with reading texts?

1. Reading independently without support

2. Asking open-ended questions about the text

3. Focusing solely on vocabulary memorization

4. Solely relying on illustrated texts

The correct answer is: Asking open-ended questions about the text

Asking open-ended questions about the text enables English learners to engage more deeply with the material, encouraging critical thinking and personal connection to the content. This strategy promotes comprehension by prompting students to reflect on what they have read, make inferences, and articulate their understanding and opinions. Open-ended questions can lead to discussions that enhance vocabulary and encourage learners to express themselves in English, thereby reinforcing language skills within a meaningful context. In contrast, reading independently without support may not provide the necessary scaffolding that English learners need to fully understand texts, potentially leading to frustration or disengagement. Focusing solely on vocabulary memorization can create a disconnection from actual reading comprehension, as knowing words in isolation does not guarantee understanding them in context. Relying only on illustrated texts limits learners' exposure to more complex language structures and can hinder their growth in reading fluency and comprehension skills.