Why are Tier 2 words often the target of instruction?

• A. They are rarely used in texts
• B. They appear across texts and domains and are important for comprehension
• C. They are easy to teach
• D. They are only used in scientific texts

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that Tier 2 words are high-utility vocabulary that shows up across many types of texts and subject areas, and they play a crucial role in understanding what you read. Because these words recur in science, social studies, narratives, and more, knowing them helps a student grasp ideas, make inferences, and explain connections without getting stuck on unfamiliar terms. They carry precise meaning that often goes beyond everyday language, so building this vocabulary yields broad benefits for comprehension across domains. Tier 2 words aren’t rare or limited to one topic, nor are they simply easy to teach or only used in scientific texts, which is why focusing on them supports overall reading ability.