Which concept directly supports the development of students' background knowledge in vocabulary learning?

The development of students' background knowledge in vocabulary learning is directly supported by Tier II vocabulary. Tier II words are high-frequency words that appear across a variety of domains, making them essential for improving comprehension in different subjects. These words are often used in academic settings and are more complex than the everyday vocabulary that students encounter (Tier I) but are not as specialized as the technical terminology found in specific fields (Tier III).

By focusing on Tier II vocabulary, educators help students build a robust and versatile vocabulary that can enhance their understanding of texts, facilitate discussions, and engage with various subjects more effectively. When students encounter these words in different contexts, they develop a deeper understanding of their meanings, which in turn supports the rich background knowledge necessary for academic success.

Other options, while valuable in their own right, do not specifically target the breadth of vocabulary that Tier II encompasses, making them less effective in this particular role of enriching students' overall language proficiency and comprehension.