New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

In developing fluency, what is emphasized for early readers?

1. Reading speed

2. Accuracy

3. Content comprehension

4. Prosody

The correct answer is: Accuracy

In developing fluency for early readers, accuracy is a vital component. When students read accurately, they correctly decode the words on the page, which helps build their confidence and allows them to focus more on the meaning of the text. Accurate reading directly contributes to fluency because it ensures that readers are not getting stuck on words, which can disrupt the flow of reading. This foundation of accuracy supports the development of other fluency elements like reading speed and prosody—both of which enhance comprehension and engagement with the text. While reading speed is important, it should not come at the expense of accuracy; reading too quickly can lead to misunderstanding and misinterpretation. Content comprehension is a desired outcome of fluent reading but is not the primary focus when initially developing fluency. Prosody, the rhythm and intonation of reading, is also crucial as it contributes to expressive reading, yet it builds upon a solid foundation of accuracy. Thus, emphasizing accuracy ensures that early readers can decode and understand the text effectively, laying the groundwork for developing overall reading fluency.