Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

How can a child's reading preferences be assessed?

1. Through independent reading tests

2. With writing assignments

3. Via reading interest inventories

4. By completing comprehension quizzes

The correct answer is: Via reading interest inventories

Assessing a child's reading preferences effectively involves understanding their interests and choices in literature. Using reading interest inventories is a systematic approach designed to gather information about the types of books and genres a child enjoys. These inventories often include questions about favorite topics, preferred authors, or specific genres, allowing educators to tailor reading selections that resonate with the student. This method not only helps to engage the child in reading but also fosters a love for literature by providing books that align with their interests. Other assessment methods, while useful for different purposes, do not focus specifically on preferences. Independent reading tests assess a child's reading level and skills rather than their interests. Writing assignments evaluate a child's ability to express ideas and narratives but do not directly measure what they enjoy reading. Comprehension quizzes test understanding of texts read but do not provide insights into a child's preferences for reading material. Therefore, reading interest inventories are the most effective tool for assessing a child's reading preferences.