North Carolina Foundations of Reading Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT an element of metacognition?

1. A reader's awareness of their emotions

2. A reader's understanding of a variety of reading strategies

3. A reader's consciousness about what has been read

4. All of the above are elements of metacognition

The correct answer is: A reader's awareness of their emotions

Metacognition refers to an individual's awareness and understanding of their own thought processes, particularly concerning learning and reading. It involves two key components: knowledge of cognition and regulation of cognition. The correct answer highlights that a reader's awareness of their emotions is not a fundamental element of metacognition. While emotions can influence motivation and engagement in reading, metacognition specifically focuses on cognitive processes, such as understanding and utilizing reading strategies (as mentioned in the second choice) and being conscious of what has been read (as noted in the third choice). These cognitive elements are central to how readers monitor and evaluate their thinking and comprehension during the reading process. In contrast, awareness of emotions falls outside the strict boundaries of metacognitive processes, as it pertains more to emotional intelligence rather than cognitive self-regulation. Thus, the distinction between cognitive awareness and emotional awareness is critical in understanding the elements of metacognition.