Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

Why is building rapid word identification and automaticity important when reading?

1. It helps with better punctuation usage

2. It ensures quick, effortless, and accurate word recognition, which is a strong predictor of comprehension

3. It reduces the need for silent reading

4. It helps with note-taking skills

The correct answer is: It helps with better punctuation usage

Building rapid word identification and automaticity is important when reading because it ensures quick, effortless, and accurate word recognition, which is a strong predictor of comprehension. When readers can automatically recognize words without needing to pause and decode, they can focus their cognitive resources on understanding and interpreting the meaning of the text rather than getting bogged down by the mechanics of reading each word. This fluency in word recognition enhances reading comprehension because the brain is free to engage with the ideas and concepts presented in the material, facilitating deeper understanding and retention of information. For instance, a reader who struggles with identifying words may find their attention divided between decoding and comprehension, making it challenging to grasp the overall message. In contrast, when word identification becomes automatic, it allows for smoother reading and greater engagement with the text, ultimately leading to better comprehension outcomes.