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

Phonics encompasses the relationship between letters and sounds, which is a foundational aspect of reading instruction. This approach involves teaching students how to connect spoken sounds with specific letters or groups of letters, enabling them to decode words when reading. By understanding phonics, learners develop the skills necessary to sound out words, recognize patterns, and ultimately improve their reading and spelling abilities. This systematic approach is crucial for building a strong literacy foundation, as it empowers students to independently tackle unfamiliar words.

In contrast, the study of sentence structure relates more to syntax and grammar, which focuses on how sentences are formed rather than the relationship between sounds and letters. The rules of grammar pertain to the conventions of language use but do not directly address phonics. Similarly, the development of reading fluency, while an important aspect of reading, involves the ability to read text smoothly and accurately, which relies on the mastery of phonics but does not define it. Thus, the essence of phonics lies in its focus on sound-letter correspondence, making the correct choice clearly aligned with its definition.