Which component is essential for ensuring fluency in reading?

Fluency in reading encompasses a reader's ability to read text with speed, accuracy, and proper expression. Expressive oral reading is essential for fostering this fluency because it involves not only pronouncing words correctly but also conveying meaning through appropriate pacing and intonation. This practice helps readers internalize the rhythm and flow of language, enables them to better understand the text's nuances, and improves their overall comprehension.

Silent reading practices, while beneficial, do not provide the same immediate feedback on pacing and expression that occurs during oral reading. Ignoring pace and expression would lead to a lack of engagement with the text and can hinder a reader's ability to convey and understand meaning effectively. Focusing solely on word recognition neglects the importance of fluency, as it does not take into account how smoothly a reader can connect those words into meaningful phrases when reading aloud. Thus, expressive oral reading is crucial for developing reading fluency.