Wisconsin FORT (Foundations of Reading) Practice Test

Define Semantic Cues

1. The cues based on the syntax of a sentence

2. The orthographic patterns of words

3. The prior knowledge and experience that readers bring to a reading situation

4. The visual features of words

The correct answer is: The cues based on the syntax of a sentence

Semantic cues refer to the meaning-based information that readers use to help them understand text. In this context, semantic cues are not based on the syntax of a sentence (Choice A). Syntax refers to the arrangement of words in a sentence to create meaning. Orthographic patterns of words (Choice B) are related to how words are spelled and structured visually, which is not the same as semantic cues. The prior knowledge and experience that readers bring to a reading situation (Choice C) are known as background knowledge or prior knowledge, which is important for comprehension but is not the same as semantic cues. Visual features of words (Choice D) refer to how words appear visually, such as font, size, and shape, but are not specifically related to the meaning-based cues that make up semantic cues. Therefore, the correct answer is A: The cues based on the syntax of a sentence.