TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

Which of the following sets of words is classified as Tier 1 words?

1. Formulate, specificity, faltered

2. Chair, bike, pencil

3. Triangle, square, triangle

4. Stomach, intestine, colon

The correct answer is: Chair, bike, pencil

Tier 1 words are considered basic, everyday vocabulary that most children are familiar with from an early age. These words represent common objects, actions, and concepts encountered in daily life, making them essential for foundational language skills. The set that includes "chair," "bike," and "pencil" consists of straightforward, commonly used nouns that are easily recognized by young learners. These words typically do not require explicit teaching, as they are part of the basic lexicon learned through interaction with the environment. In contrast, the other sets include more complex or specialized vocabulary that might not be as familiar to all students, making them less suitable for Tier 1 classification. For instance, "formulate" and "specificity" are Tier 2 or higher words that involve more abstract concepts, while "stomach," "intestine," and "colon" relate specifically to anatomy and may not be as broadly recognized by younger children. The set with "triangle" and "square" includes geometric terms, which could be classified differently depending on a student's exposure to math concepts.