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

Which stage of literacy development is known as the transitional stage?

1. A stage marked by rapid reading improvement

2. A stage characterized by understanding multiple strategies to decode texts

3. A stage focused solely on writing skills

4. A stage of initial reading confusion

The correct answer is: A stage characterized by understanding multiple strategies to decode texts

The transitional stage of literacy development is accurately characterized by a student’s growing ability to apply multiple strategies to decode texts. During this stage, learners are moving beyond basic decoding skills and are becoming more proficient in reading by using various approaches to comprehend and interpret texts. This includes the ability to recognize sight words, use context clues, and employ phonetic strategies, which represent a significant advancement in their reading skills. At this point, students start to develop their comprehension skills more fully and can tackle more complex texts independently. They also begin to make connections between sounds and letters more fluidly, thus becoming more confident readers. This phase reflects a shift from mere word recognition to a deeper understanding of language and text structures, which is foundational for developing advanced literacy skills necessary for academic success.