Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What is the primary purpose of phonics instruction?

1. To improve writing skills

2. To achieve automaticity in reading

3. To enhance listening comprehension

4. To memorize vocabulary lists

The correct answer is: To achieve automaticity in reading

The primary purpose of phonics instruction is to achieve automaticity in reading. Phonics teaches students the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and their corresponding letters or groups of letters (graphemes). By developing these skills, students learn to decode words smoothly and quickly, which is crucial for fluent reading. Automaticity in reading allows students to recognize words effortlessly, enabling them to focus on comprehension rather than on decoding individual words. This fluency contributes to overall reading comprehension, as readers can engage with the text more fully when they do not have to concentrate on decoding each word. In essence, effective phonics instruction serves as a foundational skill that supports the broader goal of fostering proficient and confident readers.