New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is the primary benefit of having students suggest ways to group words related to a text before reading?

1. To strengthen their reading fluency

2. To extend and reinforce their expressive and receptive vocabularies related to the text's topic

3. To enhance their critical thinking skills

4. To prepare them for standardized testing

The correct answer is: To extend and reinforce their expressive and receptive vocabularies related to the text's topic

Encouraging students to suggest ways to group words related to a text before reading serves primarily to extend and reinforce their expressive and receptive vocabularies that are pertinent to the text's topic. This process engages students in active thinking about the content they are about to encounter, helping them make connections between the vocabulary and the subject matter. By collaboratively considering how words relate to each other and to the overarching topic, students enhance their understanding and retention of vocabulary, which is crucial for comprehending the text more effectively. This pre-reading activity not only builds their vocabulary knowledge but also prepares them to interact more thoughtfully with the text. A strong vocabulary foundation aids in decoding and comprehending complex ideas, which can lead to more meaningful engagement with the reading material. While strengthening reading fluency, enhancing critical thinking skills, and preparing for standardized testing are valuable educational goals, the primary advantage in this scenario is the opportunity to deepen vocabulary understanding related to the subject matter and promote readiness for focused reading comprehension.