Which term describes fast, effortless word recognition that comes from extensive reading practice and does not involve reading with expression?

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Multiple Choice

Which term describes fast, effortless word recognition that comes from extensive reading practice and does not involve reading with expression?

Automaticity in word recognition is fast, effortless recognition of words that comes from extensive reading practice. When readers are automatic, they identify common words instantly without sounding them out, freeing cognitive energy to focus on meaning and comprehension. This kind of recognition doesn’t require reading with expression; it’s about speed and ease at identifying words. Fluency, by contrast, blends speed with accuracy and expression during reading. Prosody refers specifically to the expressive qualities—tone, rhythm, and intonation. Decoding is the deliberate process of translating letters or graphemes into speech sounds. So the term that best fits fast, effortless word recognition developed through practice is automaticity.

Automaticity in word recognition is fast, effortless recognition of words that comes from extensive reading practice. When readers are automatic, they identify common words instantly without sounding them out, freeing cognitive energy to focus on meaning and comprehension. This kind of recognition doesn’t require reading with expression; it’s about speed and ease at identifying words. Fluency, by contrast, blends speed with accuracy and expression during reading. Prosody refers specifically to the expressive qualities—tone, rhythm, and intonation. Decoding is the deliberate process of translating letters or graphemes into speech sounds. So the term that best fits fast, effortless word recognition developed through practice is automaticity.

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