New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What does orthography refer to in the context of spelling?

1. The use of artistic writing styles

2. The process of writing narratives

3. The conventional spelling of words

4. The memorization of vocabulary

The correct answer is: The conventional spelling of words

Orthography refers to the conventional spelling of words within a particular language. This encompasses the rules and norms governing how different letters combine to form words and includes aspects such as capitalization, punctuation, and the spelling of morphemes (the smallest units of meaning). In this context, orthography is fundamental to reading and writing because standardized spelling helps ensure that written communication is clear and understandable to readers. A strong grasp of orthography is essential for developing literacy skills, as it enables learners to recognize familiar word patterns and spell words correctly, thereby enhancing both their reading and writing capabilities.