Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What is another term for the intonation and rhythm of speech in reading?

1. Fluency

2. Prosody

3. Rate

4. Accuracy

The correct answer is: Prosody

Prosody refers to the patterns of stress and intonation in spoken language. In the context of reading, prosody encompasses the rhythm, pitch variation, and emotional tone that a reader employs to convey meaning and engage listeners. It impacts how a reader interprets punctuation and expresses feelings, making the text more comprehensible and enjoyable. Understanding the concept of prosody is essential for developing proficient reading skills, as it adds depth to the reading experience and aids in comprehension. In contrast, fluency refers more broadly to the ability to read smoothly and quickly, while rate focuses on the speed of reading. Accuracy indicates the correctness of reading words, which is different from the expressive quality of speech.