QTS Phonics and Early Reading 4

Question 1

In early reading, what is the 'alphabetic principle'?

Accepted Answer

The understanding that letters and letter combinations represent sounds in spoken language

Answer

The alphabetic principle is the fundamental understanding that written letters and graphemes correspond to the sounds (phonemes) of spoken language, which is the basis of phonics.

Question 2

Why are rhyme and alliteration activities used in early phonological awareness?

Accepted Answer

They develop sensitivity to sounds in language before formal phonics begins

Answer

Rhyme and alliteration activities build phonological awareness — the broader ability to hear and manipulate sounds — which supports readiness for formal phonics instruction.

Question 3

What is a 'split digraph' (sometimes called a 'magic e')?

Accepted Answer

Two vowels separated by a consonant that work together to make a long vowel sound

Answer

A split digraph is where a vowel-consonant-e pattern produces a long vowel sound, e.g., 'a_e' in 'cake', 'i_e' in 'pine'. The two vowel letters are split by a consonant.

Question 4

Which phase of Letters and Sounds is typically taught in Reception?

Accepted Answer

Phases 2, 3, and 4

Answer

In Reception, pupils typically work through Phase 1 (phonological awareness), Phase 2 (initial grapheme-phoneme correspondences), Phase 3 (further GPCs), and into Phase 4 (adjacent consonants).

Question 5

What does 'GPC' stand for in phonics teaching?

Accepted Answer

Grapheme-Phoneme Correspondence

Answer

GPC stands for Grapheme-Phoneme Correspondence — the relationship between a written grapheme and the sound (phoneme) it represents, which is the core of phonics instruction.

QTS Practice Test

QTS Practice Test

QTS Phonics and Early Reading 4