What is true about metacognition?

• A. It is knowing about knowing
• B. It is a form of memory
• C. It is a type of language skill
• D. It refers to physical action memory

Answer: (A)

Metacognition is awareness of and control over your own thinking and learning processes. It means knowing what you know about how you learn, and using that knowledge to plan, monitor, and adjust your approaches as you study or solve problems.

This definition captures the essence because metacognition includes both recognizing what strategies help you understand something (knowledge about cognition) and actively managing your thinking while learning (regulation of cognition). Saying you know about your own thinking is exactly what helps you decide when to skim a text, when to slow down and re-read, or when to change a problem-solving approach.

For example, when you read a challenging paragraph, a metacognitive reader will notice if comprehension is slipping, pause to paraphrase, ask questions, and decide to reread or seek help. That self-check and adjustment illustrate planning, monitoring, and evaluating your own thinking.

The other options describe memory, language skills, or physical actions, which are related to cognition but do not capture the self-reflective, strategic aspect that metacognition entails.