Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

What approach can help with teaching vocabulary for English learners?

1. Using only written definitions

2. Encouraging silent reading

3. Incorporating cognates from students' first language

4. Minimizing interaction in small groups

The correct answer is: Incorporating cognates from students' first language

Incorporating cognates from students' first language is an effective approach for teaching vocabulary to English learners because it builds on the linguistic knowledge they already possess. Cognates are words that have similar meanings and forms in two languages; for instance, "information" in English and "información" in Spanish. By highlighting these connections, students can leverage their understanding of these familiar words to ease the learning of new vocabulary. This not only aids comprehension but also boosts their confidence as they see parallels between languages. Furthermore, using cognates fosters a more inclusive classroom environment, where students' linguistic backgrounds are recognized and valued, enhancing their motivation and engagement in learning English. This strategy is particularly beneficial for English learners as it reduces the cognitive load of acquiring new vocabulary, allowing them to make meaningful connections and facilitating quicker and more effective language acquisition.