Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) Practice Test

Fluency in reading primarily enhances speed and expression during reading, which is essential for overall comprehension and engagement with the text. When a reader is fluent, they can read words quickly and with the appropriate rhythm and intonation, allowing them to focus on the meaning of the text rather than struggling with the mechanics of decoding each word. This fluency enables readers to automatically recognize familiar words and phrases, which reduces cognitive load and allows them to process and understand the content more effectively.

In contrast, an emphasis solely on speed without comprehension does not foster true reading fluency, as comprehension is a critical component of effective reading. Understanding the written language is indeed an important goal of reading fluency, but fluency directly refers to the proficiency in reading that encompasses both speed and expressive delivery. Lastly, while decoding is crucial in the early stages of reading development, fluency transcends mere letter recognition and decoding of individual sounds, as it involves the ability to read connected text smoothly and meaningfully.