What is the definition of dramatic reading in terms of student engagement?

Dramatic reading refers to the practice of reading aloud in a way that conveys the emotions and tone of the text, often with appropriate expression and emphasis. This method engages students actively, as it invites them to interpret the narrative's feelings and characters through their voice and delivery. By acting out a narrative, students develop fluency and prosody—the rhythm and patterns of stresses in spoken language—making the reading experience compelling and immersive.

In contrast to other options, which do not foster the same level of engagement or expression, the focus of dramatic reading is on enhancing understanding and enjoyment of the text through a performative approach. Reading without expression, for example, lacks the interactive component that dramatic reading offers. Similarly, reading silently emphasizes personal reflection rather than engagement with an audience, while improvising a story based on a prompt shifts the focus from reading to creative storytelling. Thus, dramatic reading stands out as a powerful tool for enhancing student engagement through active participation in the reading process.