What does prosody indicate about a reader's skills?

Prosody, which encompasses the rhythm, stress, and intonation of spoken language, is a key indicator of a reader's fluency and overall reading ability. When a reader exhibits strong prosody, it suggests they have a deep understanding of the syntactic structures and mechanics of the language they are reading. This skill allows them to convey meaning effectively through their vocal expression, making the text more engaging and understandable.

In contrast, strong prosody is less directly related to reading speed, efficiency, word decoding ability, or comprehension limitations. While proficient readers often read fluently and quickly, and they decode words accurately, prosody specifically highlights a reader's ability to interpret text with appropriate expression, which reflects their grasp of syntax and the overarching structure of language.