What does accuracy in reading primarily refer to?

Accuracy in reading primarily refers to the correct decoding and recognition of words, which involves the ability to correctly identify and pronounce words as they are written. This is a fundamental skill in proficient reading because it establishes the building blocks of comprehension. When a reader can accurately decode words, they can focus more on the meaning of the text rather than struggling with word recognition.

Accuracy is essential for reading fluency, which is the ability to read a text smoothly and with expression. If a reader has difficulties with accuracy, it can hinder their ability to understand the text overall, as they may misinterpret or skip over important information due to incorrect word recognition.

While speed of reading, complexity of text, and understanding context cues are important aspects of reading as well, they are not the primary focus when discussing accuracy. Accurate word recognition must be achieved first to ensure effective reading comprehension and fluency thereafter.