Why is it important for fluent readers to have better comprehension of expository texts?

Fluent readers are able to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression, allowing them to focus their cognitive resources on comprehending the text rather than on decoding individual words. This focus is essential for understanding expository texts, which often present information in a straightforward manner and rely on the reader’s ability to synthesize and analyze that information.

When fluent readers can devote their cognitive capacity to grasping the main ideas, details, and connections between concepts in expository texts, they engage with the material at a deeper level. This engagement enhances their ability to extract meaning, make inferences, and evaluate the information presented, which is crucial for academic achievement and for making informed decisions in real-world situations.

In contrast, readers who struggle with decoding may find their cognitive resources split between word recognition and understanding, which impedes their overall comprehension of the material. Thus, the ability to efficiently process text allows fluent readers to achieve a richer understanding and retention of expository content.