NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What role does comprehension play in early literacy?

1. It is solely dependent on vocabulary knowledge

2. It underscores the ability to decode and understand text

3. It is irrelevant in the beginning stages of reading

4. It focuses only on phonetic awareness

The correct answer is: It underscores the ability to decode and understand text

Comprehension plays a crucial role in early literacy because it involves both the ability to decode words and the skills necessary to understand what those words and sentences mean. Early literacy is not just about recognizing letters and sounds; it’s also about making sense of the text. A developing reader must be able to connect their decoding skills with comprehension in order to grasp the overall message of a reading selection. When children learn to read, they are not only learning to identify words but also to understand their meaning in context. This connection helps them become proficient readers who can analyze and engage with a variety of texts. Therefore, early exposure to comprehension strategies and practices—such as discussions about stories, predicting outcomes, and summarizing—is essential for fostering a love of reading and enhancing literacy skills in young learners. In this light, while vocabulary knowledge, phonetic awareness, and other elements contribute to literacy, they do so in service to the larger goal of comprehension. Understanding text is foundational for successful reading, leading to more complex literacy skills as students progress.