Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

What is the main goal when assessing comprehension of expository texts?

1. To check for reading speed

2. To determine students' opinions on the text

3. To evaluate understanding of text structures

4. To showcase writing skills

The correct answer is: To evaluate understanding of text structures

The main goal when assessing comprehension of expository texts is to evaluate understanding of text structures. Expository texts are designed to explain, inform, or describe, often using specific organizational patterns like cause and effect, problem and solution, or chronological order. By assessing how well students grasp these structures, educators can determine their ability to extract meaning and analyze the information presented in the text. Understanding the structure helps students navigate complex information and enhances their overall reading comprehension. For instance, if students can identify the cause-and-effect relationships in an expository text, they are better equipped to understand the broader implications of the content. Evaluating this understanding is essential for ensuring students can critically engage with nonfiction materials, which is a significant component of literacy development. While checking for reading speed, determining students' opinions, and showcasing writing skills may have their place in a comprehensive literacy program, they do not directly target the comprehension of expository texts in the same way that understanding text structures does.