TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

Why is teaching vocabulary in the context of a story valuable for comprehension?

1. It promotes rote memorization of definitions

2. It encourages passive reading habits

3. It applies new words in meaningful ways

4. It limits the connections students can make

The correct answer is: It applies new words in meaningful ways

Teaching vocabulary in the context of a story is valuable for comprehension because it allows students to encounter new words within a meaningful narrative. This approach helps learners understand how words function in different contexts, facilitating deeper comprehension. When vocabulary lessons are embedded in a story, students can see the connections between words, their meanings, and how they enhance the overall theme or message of the text. This method fosters an authentic engagement with language, as students are not just memorizing definitions in isolation; instead, they are learning to use new vocabulary in contexts that illustrate its meaning and significance. By applying new words in meaningful scenarios, students are more likely to internalize these terms, enabling them to recall and utilize the vocabulary in their own reading and writing experiences. This translates to improved comprehension skills, as students are better equipped to understand and analyze texts that incorporate those words.