Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

What does phonics instruction emphasize?

1. The meaning of words in context

2. The connection between letters and sounds

3. The rhythm and flow of language

4. The comprehension of complex texts

The correct answer is: The connection between letters and sounds

Phonics instruction emphasizes the connection between letters and sounds, which is fundamental to developing reading skills. This approach helps learners understand how written symbols (letters) correspond to spoken sounds (phonemes). By focusing on the relationship between these letters and sounds, students gain the ability to decode words, which is a crucial step in reading development. Phonics provides a systematic way for students to learn how to read by teaching them to break down words into their constituent sounds, which can then be blended to form words. This foundational skill supports further reading development, enabling learners to approach more complex texts with greater fluency and confidence. In contrast, focusing solely on the meaning of words in context, the rhythm and flow of language, or the comprehension of complex texts doesn't directly address the foundational decoding skills that phonics aims to build. These elements of reading are important, but they are more advanced skills that benefit from a strong phonics background.