Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What does encoding mean in the context of reading and writing?

1. Translating spoken words into written symbols

2. Recognizing high-frequency words

3. Translating written words into the sounds and meanings of spoken words

4. Understanding the grammar and syntax of a language

The correct answer is: Translating spoken words into written symbols

In the context of reading and writing, encoding refers to the process of translating spoken words into written symbols. This involves taking the sounds of language—phonemes—and converting them into the corresponding letters and letter combinations that represent those sounds in written form. This skill is essential for developing literacy, as it enables individuals to write words and express their thoughts in written communication. In contrast, recognizing high-frequency words is more about reading fluency and sight recognition rather than the process of encoding. Translating written words into sounds and meanings pertains more to decoding, which is the ability to read and understand written language. Understanding grammar and syntax is a broader aspect of language comprehension and involves the structural rules for forming sentences, not specifically encoding in a writing context. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for educators when teaching reading and writing skills.