TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

For which of the following literacy skills is wait time significantly beneficial?

1. Reading fluency

2. Phonemic awareness

3. Vocabulary acquisition

4. Comprehension monitoring

The correct answer is: Vocabulary acquisition

Wait time is particularly beneficial for vocabulary acquisition as it provides students with the opportunity to process new information, reflect on their understanding, and apply their existing knowledge to form connections with new words. This pause enables learners to articulate their thoughts more clearly and enhances their ability to engage in rich discussions about new vocabulary, thereby deepening their understanding and retention of these words. During lessons that involve introducing new vocabulary, allowing students adequate wait time after posing questions or presenting new terms encourages them to explore meanings, context, and relationships with other known words. This is crucial, as vocabulary acquisition is not just about memorizing definitions but also about using words in context and understanding nuances. While other literacy skills like reading fluency, phonemic awareness, and comprehension monitoring benefit from various instructional strategies and practices, vocabulary acquisition particularly thrives with the addition of wait time, as it supports cognitive processing and engagement.