Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

How does oral language development contribute to critical thinking skills?

1. By leading to development of other communication skills

2. By studying technology and its use

3. Through writing reports

4. Via reading academic texts

The correct answer is: By leading to development of other communication skills

Oral language development is instrumental in enhancing critical thinking skills because it lays the foundation for effective communication and comprehension. When individuals engage in conversations, they practice articulating their thoughts, arguing their points, and providing explanations—all of which require them to evaluate information critically. This verbal practice strengthens reasoning abilities as individuals learn to construct logical arguments and respond thoughtfully to others. Furthermore, oral language development fosters active listening skills, where individuals learn to comprehend and assess spoken information. As they discuss various topics, they become adept at discerning important details, analyzing perspectives, and synthesizing different viewpoints. This process cultivates an analytical mindset, allowing individuals to approach problems and discussions with a critical lens, ultimately contributing to their overall critical thinking skills. Other options may address aspects of communication but do not emphasize the direct connection between oral language development and the enhancement of critical thinking abilities.