New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is demonstrated when students can relate the sounds of spoken words to letters?

1. Reading comprehension

2. The alphabetic principle

3. Phonological awareness

4. Letter recognition

The correct answer is: The alphabetic principle

The correct response is that when students can relate the sounds of spoken words to letters, it demonstrates the alphabetic principle. This principle is foundational in reading instruction and refers to the understanding that letters and letter patterns represent the sounds of spoken language. Mastery of the alphabetic principle allows students to decode written words, which is essential for reading fluency and comprehension. By connecting sounds to letters, students learn how to translate the written language into spoken language, facilitating their ability to read. This skill is critical as it enables learners to sound out words when they encounter them in writing, allowing for effective reading practices. Understanding the alphabetic principle is a key indicator of a student’s readiness to engage more deeply with reading and literacy skills.