FTCE Reading K-12 Practice Exam

Tier 1 words are primarily characterized as frequently used common words that are easily understood. These are the basic vocabulary words that most children know and use in their everyday conversations. They include simple language that does not require specialized knowledge or context, making them accessible to a wide range of speakers, including early learners.

In contrast, the other options refer to different categories of vocabulary. Academic words, such as those associated with Tier 2, often have broader applications in various academic contexts, while technical words (Tier 3) are specific to certain subjects like science or mathematics and may not be familiar to everyone outside that field. Abstract words may require higher-level thinking and contextual understanding, which is not typical of Tier 1 vocabulary. Thus, identifying Tier 1 words as common and easily understood highlights their fundamental role in early language development and communication.