Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

What does speaking vocabulary consist of?

1. Words used in writing

2. Words recognized in reading

3. Words used when speaking

4. Words understood when reading silently

The correct answer is: Words used when speaking

Speaking vocabulary consists of the words that individuals actively use when they communicate orally. This includes words that one has learned and can pronounce correctly in conversations, presentations, or any verbal exchanges. This vocabulary is crucial for effective communication and encompasses the entirety of words a person is comfortable articulating. The other options refer to different aspects of language use. For instance, words used in writing pertain to vocabulary that is often more formal or structured, and many writers may employ a richer vocabulary than what they would typically use when speaking. Words recognized in reading and those understood when reading silently relate to the receptive aspects of language, which are mainly about comprehension. These emphasize how well a person can identify and understand words they see or hear, rather than how they use them in their own speech. Therefore, these options do not accurately define the speaking vocabulary, which is exclusive to verbal communication.