Texas Teacher Certification Test: ELA &
Reading Questions and Answers
Phonemes
basic units of sound
Semantics
The way meaning is generated in language also including the way words, phrases, and sentences
combine in ways that make sense.
How meaning is conveyed in a language through the use of its vocabulary
Syntax
The way words are placed, organized, and arranged in a language
Language Acquisition is made of 3 main components:
1. innate abilities and mechanism of the learner
2. exposure to the speech of caretakers and parents
3. the interaction of children in their immediate linguistic environment
Language Acquisition Device (LAD)
Something all humans are born with that give us the mechanisms and abilities to acquire language.
This is universal and adapts to the languages being exposed or learned.
Language only emerges if this is triggered by stimuli from people in the child's environment
6 Key components of language:
phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon, pragmatics, semantics
Phonology
The study of the sound system of language
Graphemes
Individual letters that represent phonemes
Morphology
Study of the structure of words and word formation
Morphemes
the smallest unit of meaning in a language
Lexicon
Refers to the vocabulary of a language
Ex: the word "hot"
-meanings can be temperature, sexy, fashionable, lucky
-these meanings can change based on context or historical framework
, Pragmatics
How context can affect the interpretation of communication. The hidden rules of communication
understood by native speakers of the same language
Connotation
The implied meaning of words and ideas
Denotation
The literal of words and ideas (Dictionary definition)
Babbling or Pre-Language Stage
0-6 months. use reflexive crying to communicate. Play vocally
Holophrastic or One-Word Stage
11-19 months. Imitate the inflections and facial expression of adults. Can recognize their name and
follow simple instructions. Understand word concepts.
Two-word Stage
13-24 months. Children produce rudimentary phrases characterized by a combination of pivot and
open words.
Pivot word
Words that accomplish multiple functions (no, up, all, see, more, and gone)
Open word
Word that refer to one concept (home, milk, doggy, juice, pants)
Telegraphic stage
18-27 months. The child is beyond two-word communication. Most words are content words that
convey more meaning and can be used in multiple situations. Children use words as they have heard
them. Includes nouns, adjectives, and verbs but prepositions and articles are limited
Dramatic Play
A type of play where students get the opportunity to role-play simulations of real life
Language Play
A type of play involving rhyme, alliteration, songs, and repetitive patterns
What are the four classifications of language disorders?
Voice
Fluency
Articulation
Language Processing
What are two types of voice disorders?
Reading Questions and Answers
Phonemes
basic units of sound
Semantics
The way meaning is generated in language also including the way words, phrases, and sentences
combine in ways that make sense.
How meaning is conveyed in a language through the use of its vocabulary
Syntax
The way words are placed, organized, and arranged in a language
Language Acquisition is made of 3 main components:
1. innate abilities and mechanism of the learner
2. exposure to the speech of caretakers and parents
3. the interaction of children in their immediate linguistic environment
Language Acquisition Device (LAD)
Something all humans are born with that give us the mechanisms and abilities to acquire language.
This is universal and adapts to the languages being exposed or learned.
Language only emerges if this is triggered by stimuli from people in the child's environment
6 Key components of language:
phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon, pragmatics, semantics
Phonology
The study of the sound system of language
Graphemes
Individual letters that represent phonemes
Morphology
Study of the structure of words and word formation
Morphemes
the smallest unit of meaning in a language
Lexicon
Refers to the vocabulary of a language
Ex: the word "hot"
-meanings can be temperature, sexy, fashionable, lucky
-these meanings can change based on context or historical framework
, Pragmatics
How context can affect the interpretation of communication. The hidden rules of communication
understood by native speakers of the same language
Connotation
The implied meaning of words and ideas
Denotation
The literal of words and ideas (Dictionary definition)
Babbling or Pre-Language Stage
0-6 months. use reflexive crying to communicate. Play vocally
Holophrastic or One-Word Stage
11-19 months. Imitate the inflections and facial expression of adults. Can recognize their name and
follow simple instructions. Understand word concepts.
Two-word Stage
13-24 months. Children produce rudimentary phrases characterized by a combination of pivot and
open words.
Pivot word
Words that accomplish multiple functions (no, up, all, see, more, and gone)
Open word
Word that refer to one concept (home, milk, doggy, juice, pants)
Telegraphic stage
18-27 months. The child is beyond two-word communication. Most words are content words that
convey more meaning and can be used in multiple situations. Children use words as they have heard
them. Includes nouns, adjectives, and verbs but prepositions and articles are limited
Dramatic Play
A type of play where students get the opportunity to role-play simulations of real life
Language Play
A type of play involving rhyme, alliteration, songs, and repetitive patterns
What are the four classifications of language disorders?
Voice
Fluency
Articulation
Language Processing
What are two types of voice disorders?
