Correct Response: A. Reading research indicates that in the upper grades, there is a direct correlation between the amount of independent reading a student engages in and the student's vocabulary development. During independent reading, students consolidate and gain vocabulary knowledge through their experiences with text. B is incorrect because phonics skills are needed for decoding unfamiliar words but they do not help students understand the meanings of new words. C is incorrect because social interactions are limited in providing a vocabulary-rich experience and therefore do not tend to contribute much to vocabulary growth. D is incorrect because having an interest in content-area topics is not enough to contribute to vocabulary growth. The interest must be acted on through extensive reading to be truly beneficial.
