Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Practice Test

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What is the main focus of the study of semantics?

The structure of sentences
The sounds of speech
The meaning of individual words
The arrangement of words in phrases

The correct answer is: The meaning of individual words

The primary focus of the study of semantics is on the meaning of individual words and the relationships between them. Semantics delves into how words convey meaning, how different meanings can be derived from context, and how the combination of words contributes to the overall meaning of phrases and sentences. This area of linguistic study is crucial for understanding communication, as it helps to clarify how language functions to express thoughts, ideas, and emotions. In contrast, the other options center around different aspects of language. The structure of sentences relates to syntax, which deals with how words are arranged to form grammatical sentences. The sounds of speech pertain to phonetics or phonology, examining how sounds are produced and perceived. Finally, the arrangement of words in phrases involves both syntax and word order, focusing on how phrases are constructed rather than their meanings. Therefore, the option that correctly identifies the focus of semantics is the meaning of individual words.