North Carolina Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What are the examples of words that are specific to a particular content area, as indicated by Dr. Jenks?

1. Common vocabulary

2. Content-specific words

3. General terms

4. Everyday language

The correct answer is: Content-specific words

Content-specific words are terms that are unique to a particular discipline or subject area and are essential for understanding that content. These words often carry specific meanings that may not apply outside the context of that subject. For example, in science, words like "photosynthesis" or "cellular respiration" have precise definitions tied directly to biological processes, while in mathematics, terms like "quadratic" or "denominator" denote concepts that are fundamental to the study of mathematics. In contrast, common vocabulary, general terms, and everyday language refer to more broadly used words that do not carry specific content-related meaning and can be understood across various contexts. While these types of vocabulary are important for general communication and understanding, they do not provide the specialized knowledge needed to engage fully with subject-specific material. Thus, recognizing the significance of content-specific vocabulary is crucial for students as they deepen their understanding in various academic fields.