MEGA Elementary Education Multi-Content Practice Test

What literacy activity supports fluency development effectively in sixth graders?

1. Small group discussions of texts

2. Repeated oral reading of short passages

3. Silent reading with accountability

4. Guided vocabulary instruction

The correct answer is: Silent reading with accountability

The activity that most effectively supports fluency development in sixth graders is silent reading with accountability. This approach allows students to engage with texts at their own pace while focusing on comprehension and expression. Silent reading encourages students to practice reading independently, which can enhance their ability to recognize words quickly and develop a smooth reading style. The aspect of accountability, whether through discussions, reflections, or assessments, encourages students to take their reading tasks seriously and fosters a deeper connection to the material. In this context, repeated oral reading of short passages is also an effective fluency-building strategy. However, it relies on the specific focus of the oral component rather than the independent practice that silent reading promotes. Small group discussions help with comprehension and critical thinking, but they do not directly address fluency as primarily as silent reading. Guided vocabulary instruction is important for vocabulary development but does not inherently improve reading fluency. Hence, the combination of silent reading and the accountability factor makes this choice particularly impactful for fostering reading fluency in middle school students.