Which of the following best describes "fluency" in reading?

Fluency in reading is primarily characterized by the ability to read with speed and accuracy. This means that a fluent reader can recognize words quickly and read them correctly, allowing for a smooth reading experience. Fluency is crucial because it serves as a bridge between word recognition and comprehension; when a reader can focus on decoding words smoothly, they can devote more cognitive resources to understanding the text rather than getting bogged down by the mechanics of reading.

When students achieve fluency, they demonstrate not only the capability to read quickly but also an appropriate level of expressiveness and phrasing, which enhances their overall understanding of the text. This entails not just the speed of reading but also the ability to recognize words automatically, which is essential for developing other reading skills, such as comprehension. Fluent readers are better equipped to handle complex texts and discussions around them, which improves their overall literacy development.