Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

What is the main purpose of a word recognition list in reading assessment?

1. To measure fluency rates

2. To estimate a child's reading level

3. To assess comprehension skills

4. To provide vocabulary lists

The correct answer is: To estimate a child's reading level

The primary purpose of a word recognition list in reading assessment is to estimate a child's reading level. This type of assessment helps educators determine how well a student can recognize and read words, which is crucial for understanding their reading proficiency. By evaluating how many words a student can correctly identify and pronounce, teachers can gauge whether the student is reading at, above, or below grade level. This information is essential for guiding instruction and providing appropriate reading materials that match the student's skill level. While other options relate to important aspects of reading development, such as measuring fluency rates or assessing comprehension skills, the word recognition list specifically focuses on identifying the level of words a student can recognize, which directly correlates with their overall reading ability. Similarly, vocabulary lists are helpful in building knowledge but do not serve the same purpose as a word recognition list in assessing reading level.