Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

What activity can help develop word consciousness in students?

1. Listening Comprehension Activities

2. Traditional Reading Exercises

3. Standardized Testing

4. Fill-in-the-blank Worksheets

The correct answer is: Listening Comprehension Activities

Developing word consciousness in students involves fostering an awareness and appreciation of words and their meanings. Listening comprehension activities are particularly effective for this purpose because they expose students to language in context, allowing them to hear rich vocabulary and diverse usages. During these activities, students can engage with new words as they encounter them in stories or discussions, promoting curiosity about word meanings and encouraging them to explore words further. This enhances both their vocabulary and overall language skills. In contrast, traditional reading exercises and fill-in-the-blank worksheets may not actively promote an appreciation or awareness of words in the same engaging way. They often focus more on rote learning or comprehension checks rather than on embedding the joy and significance of language. Standardized testing typically assesses reading skills without providing the immersive, context-rich experiences that contribute to developing word consciousness.