Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What is the first step in helping readers recognize and explore the meanings of unknown vocabulary words?

1. Use only dictionaries

2. Identify unknown vocabulary words

3. Skip unfamiliar words entirely

4. Guess the meaning of the words

The correct answer is: Identify unknown vocabulary words

The first step in helping readers recognize and explore the meanings of unknown vocabulary words is to identify those unfamiliar words. This process is crucial because it provides a clear starting point for vocabulary instruction and comprehension strategies. By recognizing which words are unknown or challenging, educators and learners can focus their attention on those specific words, facilitating targeted discussion, exploration, and learning opportunities. Effective vocabulary instruction often involves several steps, including using context clues, word analysis, and other strategies to deepen understanding, but the initial step of identifying unknown vocabulary is essential for guiding further exploration. Recognizing that there is a lack of understanding allows for conscious learning and use of different resources or strategies to clarify meanings. This approach sets the stage for actual engagement with the vocabulary, rather than leaving students to guess or skip over words that they do not understand.