Why are high frequency words often called sight words?

High frequency words are often referred to as sight words because they should be memorized for immediate recognition. This recognition allows readers to quickly understand text without needing to sound out each word, facilitating fluent reading. These words typically don't follow standard phonetic rules or may have irregular spellings, making them challenging to decode through phonics alone. Being able to identify these words at a glance helps improve overall reading efficiency and comprehension.

The other options suggest misconceptions about sight words. For example, suggesting that they are the only words students should learn overlooks the need for a broad vocabulary. Complex words ruling out phonics misrepresents the purpose of phonics instruction, which is helpful for understanding a wider range of words. Additionally, claiming that high frequency words are rarely found in reading materials is inaccurate, as these words are commonly used in many texts, emphasizing the importance of recognizing them quickly.