Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

Which strategy uses context surrounding a target word to aid understanding?

1. Word sorts

2. Semantic Feature Analysis

3. Contextual Redefinition

4. Direct instruction

The correct answer is: Contextual Redefinition

Contextual Redefinition is a strategy that leverages the surrounding context of a target word to enhance comprehension and facilitate vocabulary acquisition. When students encounter an unfamiliar word, this approach encourages them to examine the sentences or phrases adjacent to the word to infer its meaning. By analyzing the context, students can make educated guesses about the word’s definition based on the information presented. This method also promotes deeper engagement with the text, as students actively seek clues and derive meaning rather than relying solely on memorization. This strategy is particularly effective because it connects new vocabulary to the specific situations in which those words are used, providing a richer understanding. Additionally, it can help students make connections between words and their usages, reinforcing their learning through application rather than abstract definition. Other strategies, such as word sorts and direct instruction, have their advantages but do not focus on the contextual clues in the same way. Semantic Feature Analysis emphasizes relationships between words and concepts rather than contextual implications, making it less aligned with the goal of using surrounding text for understanding a specific target word.