Which strategy is commonly used to practice fluency in reading?

• A. Timed repeated reading exercises.
• B. Daily spelling tests.
• C. Vocabulary matching only.
• D. Silent reading with no timing.

Answer: (A)

Fluency practice centers on reading that is smooth, accurate, and expressive. Timed repeated reading exercises fit this goal because students read the same passage aloud several times, each attempt timed, so they can see improvements in speed (words correct per minute) while maintaining accuracy. Repeating the reading helps automate decoding, freeing cognitive resources for phrasing, intonation, and overall comprehension during each subsequent read. Other options miss that oral, timed practice they don’t emphasize fluency: spelling tests focus on spelling knowledge, vocabulary matching targets word meaning rather than how fluently a text is read, and silent reading with no timing doesn’t build oral speed or expression. Timed repeated reading is the best-supported way to develop reading fluency.