Which approach focuses on transferring literacy skills by targeting and practicing specific reading, writing, and speaking skills each day?

• A. phonics/skills-based approach
• B. phonemic awareness approach
• C. whole-language
• D. content-based instruction

Answer: (A)

This focuses on explicit, skills-based literacy instruction that systematically targets and practices specific reading, writing, and speaking tasks every day. By teaching discrete competencies—such as decoding and word study, spelling patterns, sentence construction, and modeled speaking routines—and giving students daily, structured practice, learners build reliable strategies they can apply across real reading and writing tasks. In ESOL contexts, this daily routine helps students gain automaticity with foundational skills, aiding transfer to broader literacy activities. This differs from a phonemic awareness approach, which centers on sound manipulation without tying those sounds to everyday literacy tasks; from whole-language, which emphasizes immersive, meaning-driven use of language rather than targeted drill of specific skills; and from content-based instruction, which integrates language learning with subject matter but focuses more on content goals than continuous practice of discrete literacy skills.