New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What characterizes deductive teaching of grammar?

1. Focus on student-led discovery alone

2. Rules are taught before application in writing

3. Understanding is developed solely through conversation

4. Students learn grammar in isolation from reading

The correct answer is: Rules are taught before application in writing

Deductive teaching of grammar is characterized by introducing grammatical rules or concepts directly to students before they engage in practical application, such as writing or analyzing text. This approach provides learners with a clear framework and understanding of the rules they are expected to follow, which can help them apply those rules more effectively in their writing and communication. This method contrasts with inductive teaching, where students might first encounter examples and then infer the rules themselves. In this case, the focus is on providing explicit instruction about grammatical structures before students enter into practice, ensuring they have a solid foundation to build upon. Providing this upfront knowledge helps streamline the learning process as students start applying these rules in their own work, facilitating clearer understanding and mastery of grammatical concepts. The other options describe approaches that do not align with deductive teaching. For example, student-led discovery emphasizes exploration and inquiry without direct instruction, while learning solely through conversation neglects the formal teaching of rules. Additionally, learning grammar in isolation contradicts the idea that grammar should be understood in the context of reading and writing, which are integral to developing overall language skills.