Reading comprehension: read the passage about dyslexia carefully and then answer the question that follows. Dyslexia is a perceptual disorder often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence. The reader is unable to perceive correctly what is on a page. Letters and numbers often appear reversed: b seems to be d, quite is quiet and from is form. The reader tends to leave out letters or words or insert words or letters that are not there. Vowel and consonant sounds may be confused. Many dyslexics are left handed or able to write with either hand. They often confuse left and right. Learning to speak may also be delayed beyond infancy. The condition seems to be inherited. It may persist into adulthood. However, with early recognition and specialized approaches to teaching reading, most dyslexics can learn to read. Some researchers believe that latent dyslexia may be aggravated by the way reading is taught. The modern whole word, or look and say, method seems to be more of a hindrance to learning for dyslexics than it is for ordinary pupils. The phonetic method of teaching students to learn letters and sound them out appears to achieve better reading results. The problem of words that cannot be sounded out such as rough, laugh or through is not solved by phonetics. These words must simply be memorised. However, for children with dyslexia the problem can be compounded by the failure of parents or teachers to recognise the condition. This can easily lead to emotional problems for dyslexic children, who cannot understand their failure to keep up with their classmates. Question: Dyslexia, often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence, is a __________

Introduction / Context:
This reading comprehension question is based on a passage explaining the nature of dyslexia. The passage carefully defines what dyslexia is and how it affects reading and language perception. The question checks whether you can identify the exact description used by the author and distinguish it from similar sounding but incorrect alternatives.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The passage begins with the sentence: Dyslexia is a perceptual disorder often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence.
• It describes difficulties in perceiving letters, numbers, and sounds correctly.
• It also explains that dyslexia may be inherited and may last into adulthood but can be managed with specialised teaching methods.
• The question asks you to complete the sentence: Dyslexia, often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence, is a __________.
• Options include conceptual disorder, pathological disease, perceptive disorder, perceptual disorder, and psychological illness.

Concept / Approach:
The key to this question is to match the wording in the options with the exact phrase used in the passage. The author specifically calls dyslexia a perceptual disorder. Perceptual refers to perception, that is, the way the brain interprets sensory information such as letters, numbers, and sounds. Other options may sound similar but do not match the precise term used by the writer. Exams often test whether you can pay attention to such details rather than simply guessing from general knowledge.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Re read the first line of the passage, which defines dyslexia. Step 2: Note the exact phrase: Dyslexia is a perceptual disorder often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence. Step 3: Compare this phrase with the answer choices and identify the one that repeats perceptual disorder accurately. Step 4: Choose Perceptual disorder because it is word for word what the passage uses.

Verification / Alternative check:
Conceptual disorder would suggest a problem with concepts or ideas rather than basic perception. Perceptive disorder is incorrect because perceptive describes being sensitive or insightful, which is not the focus here. Pathological disease suggests a more general medical illness pattern, and psychological illness focuses on emotional or mental states, neither of which matches the specific phrase in the passage. The writer clearly emphasises that dyslexia is related to how printed information is perceived, which is why perceptual is the correct adjective.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Conceptual disorder: The passage does not say that the concepts are faulty; it says the perception of letters and numbers is faulty.
• Pathological disease: Suggests a general disease process, but the author chooses a more precise label.
• Perceptive disorder: Grammatically odd and not a standard term for this condition.
• Psychological illness: Focuses on emotional or mental health conditions rather than perceptual processing of written symbols.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students choose psychological illness or pathological disease because they know dyslexia is a condition relating to the brain. However, the question expects you to stick closely to the text and not to reinterpret it in broader medical terms. The safest strategy in such comprehension questions is always to look back at the exact wording in the passage and choose the option that matches it precisely.

Final Answer:
Correct option: Perceptual disorder.