Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

What defines a homophone?

1. Two words with the same spelling

2. Two words with different meanings

3. Two words that sound the same

4. Two words with different pronunciations

The correct answer is: Two words that sound the same

A homophone is defined as two words that sound the same, regardless of whether they have the same spelling or meaning. This means that homophones can be spelled differently and can have entirely different meanings, but their pronunciation is identical. For example, the words "flower" and "flour" are homophones because they sound the same but refer to different things. Understanding this concept is crucial for language learners and those teaching reading and writing, as it helps clarify the nuances of language and the potential for confusion in spoken communication. The other definitions do not accurately capture the specific characteristic of homophones, as they emphasize either spelling, meaning, or pronunciation without focusing solely on the similarity in sound.