Question 1

Simply stated, phonics builds and reinforces which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   High-frequency words
B)   Sight words
C)   The alphabetic principle
D)   Comprehension C

Question 2

The process of__________ necessarily detracts from the more important work of constructing meaning from the text.

Accepted Answer

decoding individual words

Question 3

Reader's theater makes a story immediately accessible to English learners by providing a __________for the words that are read.

Accepted Answer

visual context

Question 4

Which of the following is the best argument for beginning formal reading instruction with the regular phonics of English spelling?

Accepted Answer

A)   Our spelling system is regular approximately 50 percent of the time, which offers young readers a rapid understanding of the code.
B)   The sight-word method of rote memorization has been found to be ineffective.
C)   Even irregular words are stored in memory with the letter or letter/sound correspondences.
D)   Students prefer phonics instruction to other teaching methods.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a true statement concerning the use of word walls?

Accepted Answer

A)   Students should be encouraged to use the wall as a writing resource.
B)   The same word wall should be kept up all year long.
C)   There is no one way to set up a word wall.
D)   The wall used should be seen most easily by everyone in the room.

Question 6

Explain what a "whole-parts-whole" instructional sequence would look like and how such a sequence is essential to a truly comprehensive program in early literacy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain what a "whole-parts-whole" instructional sequence would...

Question 7

An effective phonics program contains which of the following features?

Accepted Answer

A)   Singing and chanting of familiar songs and poems
B)   The reading of predictable texts
C)   Teaching of useful phonics generalizations through recognition of patterns
D)   All of the above

Question 8

Texts that contain much rhyme, rhythm, and repetition and that are used to teach concepts about print and English syntax while providing an enjoyable language experience are called __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Texts that contain much rhyme, rhythm, and...

Question 9

Comparing spelling patterns to ones already known is a decoding strategy known as using __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Comparing spelling patterns to ones already known...

Question 10

Effective phonics instruction helps children to do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   Sequence the sounds in our language
B)   Discern the meaning of homophones
C)   Associate letters and letter combinations with sounds
D)   Construct meaning from text

Question 11

Explain what you consider to be the key components in a model phonics program. Describe how you would teach such a program and give an example of the order of the phonics generalizations you would teach. Defend your choices.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain what you consider to be the...

Question 12

Why is it important to teach high-frequency words?

Accepted Answer

A)   These are the words that are the easiest to decode and thus build a reader's confidence.
B)   These words are often overlooked in traditional phonics programs.
C)   Approximately 50 percent of the words students read are high-frequency words.
D)   Such words are the most concrete and easiest for children to remember.

Question 13

Which of the following is the best definition of direct, systematic phonics instruction?

Accepted Answer

A)   A program that provides direct instruction of the necessary compendium of skills, building on a developmental sequence
B)   A program that teaches phonic skills to children as the skills are encountered in authentic reading situations
C)   A program that spends the majority of literacy instructional time focused on decoding development
D)   All of the above

Question 14

Which of the following is a useful method that children use to figure out new words?

Accepted Answer

A)   Sounding out each letter
B)   Using a word wall
C)   Guessing from the context
D)   All of the above

Question 15

Which of the following types of literature is necessary for an effective early literacy program?

Accepted Answer

A)   Predictable texts
B)   Decodable texts
C)   High quality trade books
D)   All of the above

Question 16

Approximately __________of English words are considered regular in their spelling/sound correspondence.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Approximately __________of English words are considered regular...

Question 17

What is your definition of direct, systematic phonics instruction? Describe how direct, systematic instruction in phonics fits into a balanced, comprehensive literacy program.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is your definition of direct, systematic...

Question 18

As children are learning how to read, they should be taught some common sight vocabulary words, known as __________, at the same time they are learning how to decode.

Accepted Answer

The answer of As children are learning how to read,...

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a true statement about fluency?

Accepted Answer

A)   Fluent readers read with appropriate expression.
B)   Having a student repeat the reading of a text four times is sufficient to improve fluency.
C)   Decoding automaticity does not affect comprehension.
D)   Word-by-word readers who lack automaticity need more basic instruction in phonics.

Question 20

Stanovich uses the "Matthew effect" to describe which phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

A)   The skilled reader gets better through practice while the poor decoder lags further behind.
B)   The poor reader figures out words he or she does not know only by guessing.
C)   The reader who dislikes reading develops an increasingly negative attitude toward reading.
D)   The poor reader receives more attention from the teacher than the skilled reader.

Exam 5: Phonics, Sight Vocabulary, and Fluency