Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What is the purpose of Word Study Groups?

1. To assess individual reading levels

2. To conduct large group phonics lessons

3. To study word parts and structural analysis

4. To prepare students for standardized tests

The correct answer is: To study word parts and structural analysis

The purpose of Word Study Groups centers around the focus on studying word parts and engaging in structural analysis. This approach allows students to break down words into their components, such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words, which enhances their understanding of vocabulary and word meaning. Engaging in this type of analysis promotes deeper literacy skills, as it not only aids in decoding unfamiliar words but also builds students' overall language skills and enhances their spelling. By examining the structure of words, students can make connections between similar words, helping them to expand their vocabulary and improve their reading comprehension. This targeted study is essential for developing phonics knowledge and fostering independence in word recognition, which is crucial for fluent reading. In contrast, assessing individual reading levels focuses more on determining where each student stands in terms of reading proficiency rather than developing their understanding of words. Conducting large group phonics lessons may involve teaching sounds and letters, but it lacks the individualized approach that Word Study Groups provide. Preparing students for standardized tests typically centers around test-taking strategies and content review, which does not specifically address the intricacies of word structure and analysis that are the hallmarks of Word Study Groups.