Which definition best describes the relationship between the Word Gap and the Matthew Effect?

The correct answer highlights the essential connection between the Word Gap and the Matthew Effect in the context of language development and educational outcomes. The Word Gap refers to the difference in the number of words that children from different socioeconomic backgrounds are exposed to, particularly before they enter school. Children from lower-income families often hear fewer words, which can lead to deficits in vocabulary and language skills.

On the other hand, the Matthew Effect, which is summed up by the phrase "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer," describes how initial advantages or disadvantages in learning can widen over time. When children who start school with fewer vocabulary skills (often linked to the Word Gap) face challenges, they may struggle to keep up with their peers. As a result, their language skills and overall academic performance may worsen relative to those who started with better language exposure, reinforcing the initial gaps.

This option effectively captures how the Word Gap provides a framework for understanding language deficits at the beginning of formal education, while the Matthew Effect illustrates the dynamic process by which these deficits can increase as children progress through school.