New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What technique is suggested when reading to students regarding new vocabulary?

1. Ignoring new vocabulary completely

2. Pausing to model context clues and prior knowledge

3. Stress memorization of new words only

4. Only focusing on familiar words

The correct answer is: Pausing to model context clues and prior knowledge

When reading to students, pausing to model context clues and prior knowledge is an effective technique for helping them understand new vocabulary. This approach encourages active engagement with the text, allowing students to make connections between what they already know and the new words they encounter. By modeling how to use context clues—such as surrounding words, phrases, or sentences—to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words, the educator supports vocabulary acquisition in a natural context. This strategy enhances comprehension and builds students' confidence in deciphering new vocabulary independently. Additionally, it gives students the opportunity to ask questions and think critically about language, fostering a deeper understanding of the text as a whole. In contrast, simply ignoring new vocabulary or focusing only on familiar words undermines opportunities for learning and vocabulary growth. Stressing memorization without understanding also limits the students' ability to apply new words in context, which is crucial for long-term retention and usage.