MEGA Elementary Education Multi-Content Practice Test

What is the most common cause of reading comprehension difficulties in first graders?

1. Limited decoding skills

2. Lack of academic vocabulary

3. Limited schema development

4. Delays in oral language development

The correct answer is: Limited decoding skills

The most common cause of reading comprehension difficulties in first graders is rooted in limited decoding skills. In early education, decoding refers to the ability to translate written words into their corresponding sounds, a fundamental skill crucial for reading. When first graders struggle with decoding, they often find it challenging to recognize and accurately read words. This limitation can lead to significant difficulties in understanding the text, as comprehension relies heavily on the ability to read and decode words efficiently. When students cannot decode well, they are likely to spend much of their cognitive energy on figuring out the words themselves rather than focusing on the meaning of the text. This struggle can hinder their ability to make connections, infer meanings, and engage with the content fully, which are all essential aspects of comprehension. While the other factors like lack of academic vocabulary, limited schema development, and delays in oral language development can also affect comprehension, decoding is typically the immediate barrier that first graders face as they begin reading independently. If students cannot decode words, their understanding of the material will naturally suffer, leading to challenges in reading comprehension overall.