FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is the primary focus of decoding in reading?

1. Understanding the literary themes

2. Converting letters into readable words

3. Analyzing the author's intent

4. Evaluating text structures

The correct answer is: Converting letters into readable words

Decoding in reading primarily refers to the process of converting letters into readable words. This foundational skill involves recognizing and pronouncing words by connecting written symbols (letters) with their corresponding sounds (phonemes). Effective decoding is crucial for reading comprehension, as it allows readers to access the text and understand its meaning. When students master decoding, they can focus more on comprehension and analysis of the text rather than struggling with the mechanics of reading. The other options, while relevant to various aspects of reading, do not accurately encompass the primary focus of decoding. Understanding literary themes involves deeper comprehension and analysis of a text's messages, while analyzing the author's intent requires critical thinking and interpretation skills. Evaluating text structures pertains to how a text is organized, which also goes beyond the basic skill of decoding words.