New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is phonics skill building primarily focused on?

1. Using sound to decode meanings

2. Engaging only in visual patterns

3. Translating sounds to print using letter-sound relationships

4. Identifying spoken sounds without letters

The correct answer is: Translating sounds to print using letter-sound relationships

Phonics skill building is primarily focused on the crucial relationship between sounds and their corresponding letters or groups of letters in spoken language. This process, known as decoding, involves translating sounds into print by recognizing the sounds that letters make (phonemes) and how these letters work together to form words. When students understand these letter-sound relationships, they can effectively sound out words, which is a foundational skill for reading. This systematic approach to teaching phonics enables learners to tackle new words independently and supports their overall reading development. Thus, mastering phonics is essential for building fluency and comprehension in reading.