Mississippi Foundations of Reading Practice Test

Which of the following describes expressive language?

1. Understanding spoken language

2. Decoding written text

3. Encoding thoughts into symbolic form

4. Comprehending visual aids

The correct answer is: Encoding thoughts into symbolic form

Expressive language refers to the ability to convey thoughts, feelings, and ideas through spoken or written communication. It involves encoding one's thoughts into symbolic forms, such as words or sentences, allowing an individual to express themselves clearly to others. This capacity is fundamental for effective communication, as it encompasses vocabulary usage, grammar, and the ability to convey meaning through language. Understanding spoken language relates to receptive language skills, which focus on processing and comprehending incoming messages, but does not deal with the expression of thoughts. Similarly, decoding written text also pertains to receptive skills, involving the ability to understand and interpret the written words without necessarily generating language oneself. Comprehending visual aids falls into the realm of interpreting information presented visually, which again does not focus on the expression of language. Therefore, encoding thoughts into symbolic form directly aligns with the nature of expressive language, confirming that this choice accurately describes that concept.