Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What does the use of phonics in reading help a child to do?

1. Read faster

2. Understand the meaning of words

3. Decode unknown words

4. Analyze literary styles

The correct answer is: Decode unknown words

The use of phonics in reading primarily helps a child to decode unknown words. Phonics instruction focuses on the relationship between letters and the sounds they represent, enabling children to sound out words they may not have encountered before. This foundational skill allows them to read independently and tackle new vocabulary, which is essential for developing reading fluency. While developing phonics skills can indirectly support reading faster, understanding meanings, or analyzing literary styles, the core function of phonics is to empower students to break down words into their constituent sounds, making it possible for them to pronounce and ultimately understand new words. Thus, enabling children to decode unknown words is a crucial step in their overall reading development.