Which concept is essential to fluency in reading?

Fluency in reading is fundamentally about the ability to read text smoothly and with appropriate expression and rhythm. This encompasses not only the speed of reading but also how well a reader conveys meaning through intonation, phrasing, and emotional tone. Reading with expression indicates that the reader is not just decoding words, but is also engaging with the text in a way that reflects understanding and enhances the overall reading experience. This aspect of fluency plays a crucial role in comprehension, as it allows readers to grasp the nuances and emotional undertones present in the text.

In contrast, while knowing a large number of rare words can be beneficial for vocabulary expansion, it does not directly correlate to fluency, which requires the ability to read with ease and understanding. Similarly, reading silently and without comprehension does not contribute to fluency, as it is important that a reader is able to understand the text being read. Memorizing passages, although it may aid in recall, does not address the skills of fluidity in reading and expression necessary for true fluency.