Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

Which spelling development stage involves children making many incorrect spellings as they encounter irregular words?

1. Transitional

2. Conventional

3. Semi-phonetic

4. Pre-communicative

The correct answer is: Transitional

The stage associated with children making many incorrect spellings as they encounter irregular words is the transitional stage. During this phase, students are beginning to understand the connection between sounds and letters, but they are still developing their skills in spelling. They might apply phonetic spelling rules inconsistently, which can lead to misspellings, especially when dealing with words that do not follow regular spelling patterns. In the transitional stage, learners are experimenting with their spelling knowledge. As they are exposed to more complex vocabulary, including irregular words, they continue to refine their understanding of language structure. This exploration often results in a higher frequency of spelling errors. However, it is a crucial period in their spelling journey, as they learn to navigate the complexities of the English language, moving towards more conventional spelling practices. The other stages describe different aspects of spelling development where the patterns of error and understanding of word structure vary significantly, making them less applicable in the context of encountering irregular words. In semi-phonetic and pre-communicative stages, for instance, children might rely heavily on phonetic spelling and not yet be focusing on the nuances of irregular spellings.