FTCE Reading K-12 Practice Exam

The most critical tier of words for direct instruction in vocabulary development is tier-two words. These words are often found in written texts and are more complex than basic vocabulary but are not subject-specific. They are used across various contexts and disciplines, which makes them highly valuable for students to learn. Direct instruction of tier-two words enhances students' ability to comprehend and engage with more sophisticated texts, thereby boosting their reading and overall academic performance.

Tier-one words consist of everyday vocabulary that most students already know, such as "baby," "run," or "happy." Since these words are commonly understood, they do not typically require direct instruction. On the other hand, tier-three words are specialized terminology used in specific fields, such as "photosynthesis" in science or "mitosis" in biology. While critical for understanding specific subjects, these words are not as universally applicable across different contexts as tier-two words.

Therefore, focusing on tier-two words provides a significant boost to students' vocabulary and comprehension skills, making them essential for effective vocabulary instruction.