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If a student encounters a multisyllabic word and is unsure of its familiarity, what should be their first step?
Say the word aloud
Locate the vowels
Check the dictionary
Ask a peer for help
The correct answer is: Locate the vowels
The first step a student should take when encountering a multisyllabic word they are unsure about is to locate the vowels. Identifying the vowels in a word can help the student break it down into manageable parts, as vowels are crucial in determining syllable structure and pronunciation. Once the vowels are located, the student may find it easier to sound out the syllables, facilitating a clearer understanding of the word’s pronunciation and meaning. This strategy encourages phonemic awareness and aids in developing reading fluency, as well as building confidence when encountering unfamiliar words. While saying the word aloud can be beneficial for practicing pronunciation, it may not assist in deciphering the word if the student struggles with recognizing its components. Checking a dictionary could provide a definition, but it presumes the student has an initial grasp on how to pronounce or break down the word. Asking a peer for help might offer support, but it doesn’t directly assist the student in developing their own skills for decoding and processing unfamiliar multisyllabic words. Therefore, locating the vowels is the foundational step that empowers students to tackle multisyllabic words effectively.