Which tier of vocabulary contains specialized terms and is less frequently encountered?

The correct choice is C, as Tier 3 vocabulary specifically refers to specialized terminology that is often associated with particular fields or subjects, such as “photosynthesis” in science or “colonization” in history. This tier consists of words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation, making them less frequently encountered by students and typically encountered during specific lessons or units of study.

Tier 1 vocabulary includes basic words often learned in early childhood and is used in everyday language, such as “cat” or “make.” Tier 2 vocabulary consists of high-frequency words that are used across various contexts, like “analyze” or “compare,” and are important for academic language development. General vocabulary is a broader term but does not specifically convey the notion of specialized terms. Therefore, Tier 3 stands out as the category that encompasses the specialized, less frequently encountered terms that are crucial for understanding specific subjects.