Dyslexia

1. Define the term “dyslexia” (2 marks)

Answer explanation

Dyslexia - This is a condition where a learner has difficulty both in receptive and expressive (in written and oral) language. It may also affect writing and spelling abilities.

2. Distinguish between dyslexia and other reading difficulties (2 marks)

Answer explanation

Dyslexia is the most severe reading difficulty among all other reading problems.

3. Identify five characteristics of dyslexia (4 marks)

Answer explanation

Characteristics of Dyslexia

• Problems in the expressive language

• Problems in the receptive language

• Problems in the written language

• Problems in spelling

• Problems in reading.

4. Identify two major areas where dyslexia poses difficulty (2 marks)

Answer explanation

Major areas where dyslexia causes difficulty:

• Reading

• Writing

5. Explain the following types of dyslexia

• Visual dyslexia (2 marks)

• Dysgraphia ( 2 marks )

• Acquired dyslexia ( 2 marks)

Answer explanation

Description of types of dyslexia

• Visual dyslexia affects visual discrimination, visual memory and visual perception (2 marks)

• dysgraphia -is a deficiency in the ability to write well (2 marks)

• Acquired dyslexia -is a type of dyslexia which is not genetic

6. Explain in your own words why the whole word approach on its own is an ineffective way of teaching reading. (3 marks)

Answer explanation

Demerits of whole-word teaching approach:

• It does not teach decoding skills

• It emphasizes on memorisation of words and pictures

• It encourages guessing.