How does the Orton-Gillingham approach benefit literacy instruction?

• A. It ignores individual differences
• B. It uses only phonics rules
• C. It offers a structured, systematic, and multisensory approach tailored to individual student needs
• D. It is a print-focused, unstructured method

Answer: (C)

The main idea this question tests is that the Orton-Gillingham approach provides a structured, systematic, multisensory method that is tailored to each learner’s needs. It teaches language skills in explicit, sequenced steps—from simple sounds and letters to more complex patterns—so students can see how phonology, spelling, and meaning fit together. The multisensory aspect engages sight, sound, and touch to reinforce decoding and memory, which is especially helpful for students who struggle with reading. Instruction is ongoing and diagnostic, allowing the teacher to adjust pace, provide targeted supports, and address individual gaps, making it effective for a wide range of learners, including those with dyslexia. This approach contrasts with methods that ignore differences, rely only on a single skill, or lack structure, because it combines clear structure, multiple ways of learning, and personalized pacing.