What term describes the ability to read with appropriate speed and expression?

Fluency is the term that specifically refers to the ability to read text with appropriate speed and expression. When a reader is fluent, they can smoothly and correctly process words, which allows for a better overall reading experience. Fluency encompasses not just the ability to recognize words quickly, but also to read with the proper intonation and rhythm, which contributes to effective communication and understanding of the text being read.

This ability is crucial because it serves as a bridge between word recognition and comprehension. A fluent reader is more likely to comprehend the material because they are not focused on decoding individual words. Instead, they can focus on the meaning of the text as a whole. Thus, fluency is a vital component in helping students become proficient readers, enabling them to engage fully with the content they are reading.