Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

What distinguishes a skill from a strategy in reading?

1. A skill is applied consciously and a strategy is automatic

2. A skill is an automatic action, whereas a strategy is a conscious choice

3. Skills are only about comprehension, while strategies include fluency

4. A skill requires teacher guidance, while strategies do not

The correct answer is: A skill is an automatic action, whereas a strategy is a conscious choice

A skill in reading refers to an automatic process or ability that a reader can perform effortlessly, such as decoding words or recognizing sight words. These skills are fundamental and often developed through practice and repetition until they become second nature. In contrast, a strategy involves a more deliberate and conscious choice made by the reader to enhance understanding or comprehension of the text. Strategies might include summarizing, predicting, questioning, or making connections, all of which require the reader to think actively about how to approach the reading task. Thus, the distinction lies in the nature of their application: skills are automatic and built through habitual practice, while strategies necessitate active engagement and decision-making. Recognizing this difference is crucial for educators as they develop instruction that enhances both aspects in their students’ reading development.