What aspect of reading does fluency directly affect?

Fluency is fundamentally linked to the overall smoothness and accuracy of reading. When a reader is fluent, they can read text smoothly and with appropriate pacing, which allows them to focus less on decoding words and more on understanding the meaning of the text. This ability is crucial, as it supports the reader's engagement with the material without the interruption of struggling over individual words.

Fluency encompasses not only the speed of reading but also the phrasing and expression, which contributes to a natural flow. When readers can process text fluently, they are better positioned to grasp the main ideas and subtleties of a passage. This fluidity in reading enhances their ability to comprehend and retain information, especially in longer texts.

While fluency may influence comprehension of lengthy texts, articulation of complex vocabulary, and cognitive load, its primary definition centers around the effortless and accurate execution of reading skills, which is captured in the idea of smoothness and accuracy. Thus, the emphasis on fluency's role in ensuring readers can navigate text without unnecessary interruptions strongly supports the choice related to overall smoothness and accuracy of reading.