Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

Appropriate expression is mostly associated with which reading stage?

1. Early readers

2. Emergent readers

3. Fluent readers

4. Transitional readers

The correct answer is: Fluent readers

The correct answer is associated with fluent readers because this stage is characterized by the ability to read smoothly and effortlessly, which enables them to focus on the expression and meaning behind the text. Fluent readers can recognize words automatically, which frees up cognitive resources to interpret emotional nuances, tone, and pacing effectively. At this stage, students typically read with appropriate prosody, which enhances comprehension and engagement with the material. They can also adjust their expression based on genre, context, and intended mood, making their reading more dynamic and enjoyable. Other stages, such as early and emergent readers, primarily involve the development of foundational skills like phonemic awareness and basic decoding. Transitional readers still benefit from building fluency but are not yet as proficient in expression, which is a hallmark of the fluent reading stage.