Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Foundations of Reading Practice Exam

What does fluency in reading ensure?

1. Reading quickly, accurately, and with proper expression

2. Understanding the meaning of all words

3. Breaking texts into smaller parts

4. Manipulating phonemes effectively

The correct answer is: Reading quickly, accurately, and with proper expression

Fluency in reading is characterized by the ability to read text not only quickly but also accurately and with appropriate expression. This proficiency allows readers to focus on comprehension rather than the mechanics of decoding words. When readers are fluent, they can traverse sentences smoothly, maintaining the natural rhythm and intonation that convey the text's meaning. This aspect of fluency is crucial because it enhances a reader's overall engagement with the material, supports better comprehension, and enables a more enjoyable reading experience. Understanding the meaning of all words, breaking texts into smaller parts, and manipulating phonemes are important skills in the broader context of reading development but do not encompass the holistic nature of fluency as described above. Fluency integrates speed, accuracy, and prosody (expression) to create a seamless reading experience.