National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Practice Exam

Which of the following activities would most likely help an adolescent with an intellectual disability to improve concentration?

1. Watching television

2. Plant care

3. Crossword puzzle

4. Video game

The correct answer is: Video game

Engaging in video games can be highly beneficial for adolescents with an intellectual disability seeking to improve concentration. This is primarily because many video games require players to focus on specific tasks, follow rules, and make quick decisions, which inherently fosters attention and concentration skills. The interactive and often immersive nature of video games also captivates players' interests, motivating them to continue improving their focus as they aim to master the game's challenges. Moreover, video games often have structured goals and progressive levels, allowing players to experience success and reinforcement. This can foster a sense of accomplishment, further enhancing the motivation to concentrate. The combination of engagement, challenge, and reward creates an effective learning environment for improving cognitive skills, including concentration. In contrast, other options, such as watching television or engaging in plant care, may not provide the same level of cognitive engagement. Watching television could lead to passive consumption of content rather than active participation, which is less likely to enhance concentration. Plant care, while beneficial for developing responsibility and nurturing skills, typically does not focus on maximizing attention or cognitive engagement to the same extent as video games. Lastly, crossword puzzles can improve concentration, but they often require specific skills that might not align with the interests or abilities of all adolescents, making them a less universally