Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

How can sentence sorts be useful in teaching vocabulary?

1. They categorize multiple meanings of words

2. They focus solely on synonyms

3. They teach the history of words

4. They are used to develop phonetic skills

The correct answer is: They categorize multiple meanings of words

Sentence sorts can be particularly effective in teaching vocabulary because they allow students to categorize words based on their multiple meanings or uses within different contexts. By sorting sentences that use the same word in various ways, students can gain a deeper understanding of how context influences meaning. This approach not only enhances vocabulary knowledge but also encourages critical thinking as students analyze and interpret the different contexts in which a word might be applied. Exploring categories of words helps students develop semantic awareness, which is vital for comprehension in reading and writing. This method goes beyond rote memorization of word meanings; it engages students in active learning by prompting discussions about the nuances of language. The other options do not accurately reflect the broader educational benefits that sentence sorts provide in vocabulary instruction. For example, focusing solely on synonyms limits the exploration of word meanings, while teaching the history of words does not directly relate to the categorization approach that sentence sorts offer. Additionally, developing phonetic skills involves different strategies that are not the primary focus of sentence sorts.