Which graphic organizer expands vocabulary by linking related words to a central concept?

Prepare for the Reading Specialist 221 Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to enhance your readiness. Ace your test!

Graphic organizers that link related words to a central idea help students build vocabulary by showing how words connect in meaning. A semantic map starts with a central concept in the middle and branches out to related terms, categories, examples, synonyms, and associated features. As students add words and connections, they see relationships and expand their lexicon beyond isolated terms. For example, starting with “food” in the center, branches can lead to “fruits,” “vegetables,” “protein,” and then to specific words like “apple,” “carrot,” and “chicken,” illustrating how each term fits within a bigger topic. This visual network supports recall and understanding of where a word fits, aiding vocabulary growth across subjects and for English learners. The other options describe a reading-development framework, a phonetic topic, or an unrelated term, none of which focus on linking related words to a central idea to grow vocabulary.