Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

Which vocabulary category includes words a person can articulate but may not fully comprehend?

1. Expressive vocabulary

2. Writing vocabulary

3. Receptive vocabulary

4. Reading vocabulary

The correct answer is: Receptive vocabulary

The correct answer is receptive vocabulary. This category refers to words that individuals can recognize and understand when they encounter them in spoken or written form, even if they may not be able to use these words fluently in their own speech or writing. Essentially, receptive vocabulary encompasses the words that one can listen to, read, and recognize, but may not feel comfortable using or articulating in their own communication. In learning contexts, receptive vocabulary is crucial because it enables individuals to understand content in conversations, texts, and other media. This understanding doesn't always extend to expressive vocabulary, which includes words that one can actively use in speech or writing. Understanding the distinction between receptive and expressive vocabulary is fundamental in both language acquisition and reading comprehension, as it reflects different dimensions of language skills—what a person knows versus what they can demonstrate actively. The other vocabulary categories mentioned do not directly align with the ability to articulate words without full comprehension.