Utah Foundation of Reading Test (FORT) Practice Test

Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate the sound structures of spoken language. This includes understanding that spoken language can be broken down into smaller units, such as words, syllables, and phonemes (the smallest units of sound). Option B accurately captures this concept, emphasizing the idea that individuals can discern how speech is segmented into these smaller sound units, which is fundamental to developing reading skills and phonics awareness.

Understanding phonological awareness is crucial because it serves as a foundation for later reading and writing skills. When children grasp that spoken language can be deconstructed into identifiable sounds, they are better prepared to connect those sounds to written letters and to understand how blending these sounds together forms words. This skill is essential for building literacy, as it directly supports a child's ability to decode text and comprehend written material.