How is vocabulary assessed through reading comprehension passages in MoCA?

Assessing vocabulary through reading comprehension passages typically involves evaluating how well a reader understands word meanings in context. This approach allows for a more nuanced measurement of vocabulary knowledge, as it requires students to interpret the meaning based on the surrounding text, rather than relying solely on rote memorization of definitions. When a question asks for an explanation of word meanings in context, it prompts the reader to demonstrate their ability to analyze language use in real situations, which can provide insight into their comprehension skills and application of vocabulary in various contexts. This method aligns well with the principles of reading comprehension, where understanding a text involves not just recognizing words but grasping the ideas those words convey.