Mississippi Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What does "word calling" refer to?

1. Decoding without comprehension

2. Recognizing word families

3. Using a word bank effectively

4. Identifying suprasegmentals

The correct answer is: Decoding without comprehension

"Word calling" refers to the process of decoding words without necessarily understanding their meaning. It often describes a situation where a reader can pronounce words correctly but fails to grasp the content or context of the text. This phenomenon can occur in early readers or those who rely heavily on phonics skills without developing their comprehension abilities. In teaching reading, it’s important to emphasize not just the ability to decode words but also to foster an understanding of what those words mean within the framework of sentences and the larger narrative. Encouraging students to connect phonetic skills with comprehension strategies is crucial for developing proficient reading habits.