What is the definition of prosody in reading?

Prosody in reading refers to the expressive qualities that go beyond mere words to include the rhythm, intonation, and phrasing that a reader uses. This dramatic and artful reading style enhances the listener’s attention and understanding by incorporating variations in pitch, volume, and duration of sounds. As a result, prosody helps convey meaning and emotions, making the text more engaging and easier to comprehend.

This expressive reading technique encourages readers to interact with the material in a dynamic way, facilitating a deeper understanding of the text’s nuances. When readers use prosody effectively, it promotes better engagement for both the reader and the audience, ultimately improving overall literacy skills.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of reading that do not encompass the full scope of prosody. For instance, accuracy alone, as mentioned in one of the options, does not consider the expressive dimensions, nor does it enhance engagement in the same way. Speed reading targets quick comprehension without necessarily attending to expressive qualities, and silent reading can improve fluency but lacks the vocal dynamics characterizing prosody.