Oklahoma State Assessment Test (OSAT) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

What teaching strategy promotes comprehension of unfamiliar words in figurative language?

1. Suggesting dictionary look-ups for confusing terms.

2. Teaching students how to apply context clues.

3. Instructing students in the use of semantic organizers.

4. Showing illustrations for visual clues to support meaning.

The correct answer is: Instructing students in the use of semantic organizers.

The most effective teaching strategy for promoting comprehension of unfamiliar words in figurative language is by instructing students in the use of semantic organizers. This approach helps students visualize the relationships between words, concepts, and their meanings, which is essential when dealing with figurative language that may not have direct or literal interpretations. Semantic organizers can take various forms, such as word maps, concept webs, or charts, and they allow students to categorize and connect new vocabulary with words they already understand. This structured visual aid fosters deeper comprehension and retention by helping students to see how figurative expressions relate to their experiences and prior knowledge, ultimately enriching their understanding of the language. While other strategies like suggesting dictionary look-ups, applying context clues, and using illustrations can certainly assist in understanding unfamiliar terms, they may not provide the same level of depth in grasping the nuances and complexities of figurative language. Dictionary look-ups can be effective for definitions but do not contextualize the meaning. Context clues require students to be able to infer meaning, which can be challenging without prior knowledge. Illustrations can support understanding but may not address the linguistic and conceptual links necessary for full comprehension. Therefore, semantic organizers stand out as a strategy that actively engages students in making connections between words and their meanings.