Which statement best describes a fluent reader?

• A. A fluent reader demonstrates automaticity in word recognition and uses appropriate prosody.
• B. A fluent reader focuses only on decoding and ignores meaning.
• C. A fluent reader reads slowly to ensure accuracy.
• D. A fluent reader only practices sight words.

Answer: (A)

Fluent reading blends fast, accurate word recognition with expressive, natural phrasing. When words are recognized automatically, the reader doesn’t get bogged down sounding out each word, freeing mental resources to focus on the meaning of the text. Adding appropriate prosody—reading with correct rhythm, intonation, and phrasing that reflect punctuation and syntax—further supports comprehension by signaling pauses, emphasis, and sentence structure. Together, these elements define fluency: accurate decoding paired with expressive reading that conveys meaning.

The other ideas describe less fluent behaviors. Focusing only on decoding while ignoring meaning misses how fluency supports comprehension. Reading slowly to ensure accuracy suggests a lack of automaticity and natural pacing. Limiting practice to sight words neglects the broader decoding and comprehension skills that fluent reading requires.