TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

What is the most appropriate question for a teacher to assess a child's concept of print?

1. What do you think this book is about?

2. Can you tell me what sound any of these letters make?

3. What can you tell me about how books work?

4. Can you show me where to start reading?

The correct answer is: Can you show me where to start reading?

Choosing a question that targets a child's concept of print involves assessing their understanding of the basic mechanics and structure of books and reading. Asking a child to show where to start reading directly evaluates their knowledge of print conventions, such as the directionality of reading (left to right, top to bottom) and the starting point of reading text. This question effectively assesses the child's grasp of how books are organized, including recognizing the front and back cover, the title, and the positioning of text on a page. It demonstrates whether the child understands that reading begins from a specific place, which is foundational for their overall literacy development. In contrast, simply asking what the book is about focuses more on content comprehension rather than print awareness. Inquiring about letter sounds assesses phonetic knowledge, while asking how books work may not specifically pinpoint a child's understanding of print conventions. Each of those questions serves a different purpose in evaluating literacy skills, but the chosen question most accurately targets the concept of print that is critical for early readers.