New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

How is oral vocabulary knowledge related to decoding written words?

1. A reader applies decoding to enhance oral vocabulary

2. A reader's oral vocabulary provides meaning while decoding

3. A reader must have extensive vocabulary to learn decoding

4. A reader's vocabulary is dependent on strong decoding skills

The correct answer is: A reader's oral vocabulary provides meaning while decoding

A reader's oral vocabulary provides meaning while decoding, which is crucial for reading comprehension. When a reader encounters a written word, their ability to understand and recognize that word is enhanced by their existing oral vocabulary. If the reader is familiar with the spoken form of a word and knows its meaning, they are better equipped to decode it in written text. This connection highlights the importance of vocabulary in the reading process, as it allows for a deeper understanding of the text and facilitates comprehension. Decoding involves translating written symbols (letters and words) into sounds, while oral vocabulary involves the words a person understands and uses in speech. When a reader decodes a word they know from their oral vocabulary, they can quickly retrieve its meaning, which aids in overall comprehension. This interplay showcases the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and decoding skills as essential components of reading proficiency.