Which of the following is a function of semantic cues in reading?

Semantic cues play a crucial role in reading by aiding in the construction of meaning from text. These cues involve using context and prior knowledge to help readers understand and interpret the text they are encountering. When readers come across unfamiliar words or phrases, they can often rely on semantic cues from the surrounding information to infer meanings, thereby enhancing comprehension.

For instance, if a child encounters a sentence that describes an event and sees the word “happy” attached to a character, they can use their understanding of emotions and context to deduce what is being conveyed, even if they struggle with the specific word itself. This ability to link words and phrases to their meanings based on context is a key aspect of effective reading, particularly for early learners who are developing these skills.

The other options pertain to different literacy skills. Organizing words involves developing a structure for understanding language rather than extracting meaning. Identifying letters relates to phonics and alphabet recognition, which are foundational for reading but separate from semantic understanding. Providing print conventions pertains to understanding the format and structure of written language, which, while essential for literacy, does not directly involve the process of making sense of the text. Thus, the focus on constructing meaning highlights the essential nature of semantic cues in the reading process.