Which of the following characterizes a student who has grasped the alphabetic principle?

A student who has grasped the alphabetic principle is able to decode unfamiliar words by applying phonetic skills. This means they understand that letters represent sounds, allowing them to sound out words even if they have not encountered them before. This foundational skill is essential for reading development, as it enables students to make sense of text by connecting sounds with letters and letter combinations.

The ability to decode unfamiliar words is a clear indication of literacy skills that go beyond mere memorization of the alphabet. It requires a deeper understanding of how letters function in combination to represent spoken language, which is at the core of the alphabetic principle.

While listing letters in alphabetical order demonstrates letter knowledge, it does not necessarily indicate that a student can use that knowledge to read. Writing stories without errors suggests advanced writing skills that may not directly connect to reading proficiency or the alphabetic principle. Bypassing spelling is not characteristic of someone who understands the alphabetic principle, as they would still be making attempts to apply their knowledge of letter-sound relationships in their writing. Thus, the ability to decode unfamiliar words showcases a true understanding of how letters and sounds work together, marking it as the defining characteristic of a student who has grasped the alphabetic principle.