Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

Why should students be aware of nonverbal communication messages?

1. To maintain classroom order

2. To improve their exam scores

3. To avoid miscommunication

4. To become better writers

The correct answer is: To avoid miscommunication

Being aware of nonverbal communication messages is essential for students to avoid miscommunication. Nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact, often convey meanings that words alone cannot express. By understanding these signals, students can interpret the intentions and emotions of their peers and teachers more accurately, leading to clearer interactions and a better understanding of the context of communication. This awareness helps foster effective communication, creating a more positive and supportive learning environment. The other options do not fully capture the primary importance of understanding nonverbal cues. While maintaining classroom order and improving exam scores can be relevant to communication and learning, they do not address the fundamental aspect of interpretation and understanding of messages that nonverbal cues provide. Becoming a better writer is also a valuable goal, but it is more connected to verbal communication skills rather than the specific role that nonverbal communication plays in daily interactions and understanding others.