California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test 2025 - Free CSET Practice Questions and Study Guide

Fluent readers are characterized by their ability to read larger units of print rather than focusing on each individual word. This skill reflects their proficiency in automatic word recognition, which allows them to quickly and effectively comprehend the meaning of the text without getting bogged down by decoding each word separately. Reading larger units of print enhances their overall reading fluency, facilitates better comprehension, and allows for smoother and more expressive reading. This ability is essential for developing advanced reading skills, as it enables readers to concentrate on higher-level comprehension rather than the mechanics of word recognition.

In contrast, focusing on decoding word-by-word can hinder fluency and comprehension, as it interrupts the flow of reading. Relying solely on visual cues limits a reader's ability to use context, background knowledge, and other strategies for understanding the text. Avoiding analogies in decoding may restrict a reader’s flexibility and problem-solving skills when encountering unfamiliar words. Therefore, the emphasis on reading larger units of print is a defining trait of fluency in reading.