How does fluent reading affect comprehension?

Fluent reading significantly enhances comprehension by enabling readers to concentrate on the meaning of the text rather than the mechanics of reading. When individuals read fluently, their reading becomes smooth and automatic, allowing them to recognize words quickly and efficiently. This proficiency frees cognitive resources, which can then be dedicated to understanding themes, making inferences, and connecting ideas within the text.

In contrast, when reading lacks fluency, readers may stumble over individual words or phrases, which can disrupt their thought process and diminish their ability to grasp the overall message or narrative. Therefore, fluent reading facilitates a deeper engagement with the material, leading to improved comprehension as readers can better integrate information and derive significance from the text.