Mississippi Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What methodology does a basal reader emphasize in reading instruction?

1. The repetitive use of words in incremental lessons

2. Only implementing phonetic awareness

3. A focus on teaching grammar through reading

4. Encouragement of free reading without structure

The correct answer is: The repetitive use of words in incremental lessons

A basal reader emphasizes a structured approach to reading instruction, primarily utilizing the repetitive use of words through incremental lessons. This methodology is designed to build students' reading skills gradually, allowing them to recognize and understand words in a controlled manner. By reinforcing previously learned vocabulary while introducing new terms, students are able to develop their reading fluency and comprehension effectively. The use of a carefully sequenced progression helps ensure that learners master foundational skills before moving on to more complex texts. This incremental progression is a characteristic feature of basal reading programs, which often include a variety of reading materials that align with a systematic phonics approach or whole language strategies as students advance. In contrast, focusing solely on phonetic awareness limits the comprehensive skill set that students need. While phonetic awareness is essential, it constitutes just one aspect of a balanced reading curriculum. Teaching grammar through reading may support understanding of text, but it does not capture the core emphasis of basal readers, which is primarily about reading fluency and decoding skills. Lastly, encouraging free reading without structure can lead to a lack of foundational skills and comprehension strategies, which basal readers seek to instill through their systematic approach.