Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice 2025 - Free FORT Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer identifies a phoneme as the smallest unit of sound that can change meaning in spoken words. Phonemes are essential to the structure of language because they are the building blocks of words. For example, the difference in the initial phoneme between 'bat' and 'cat' alters the word's meaning entirely, showcasing the critical role of phonemes in language comprehension and communication. Understanding phonemes is fundamental in phonics instruction, as it aids learners in decoding and recognizing words, enhancing their reading skills.

The other choices reflect different concepts in literacy and language. A group of letters representing a sound pertains more to graphemes, which tie into written language, rather than the spoken sound itself. A method of teaching reading could reference various instructional approaches, but it doesn't define a phoneme. Lastly, the rhyming structure of words relates to phonological awareness and sound patterns, which are broader than the specific definition of a phoneme.