Which strategy is recommended for addressing word retrieval difficulties?

Using semantic cues or categories is a highly effective strategy for addressing word retrieval difficulties. This approach involves prompting individuals to think about the meaning of the word they are trying to recall or to categorize words based on shared characteristics. For example, if someone is struggling to find the word "apple," suggesting that they think of the category "fruits" can help jog their memory. Semantic cues strengthen the connection between the target word and related concepts, making retrieval easier.

In contrast, open-ended questions may not provide the necessary support for someone experiencing word retrieval issues, as they can often become overwhelmed without specific guidance. Timed speech tasks could increase pressure and anxiety, which might further hinder their ability to retrieve words. Encouraging free-writing can promote overall language use and creativity but may not directly assist an individual in retrieving specific words when needed. Therefore, using semantic cues or categories directly targets the process of word retrieval, making it the most effective strategy.