Define "accurate decoding" in the context of reading.

Accurate decoding refers to the skill of quickly and correctly sounding out words while reading. This involves recognizing letters and their corresponding sounds, allowing individuals to read words fluently and efficiently. Effective decoding is crucial for developing reading proficiency because it serves as the foundation for understanding the text. By being able to accurately decode, readers can focus on comprehension instead of getting stuck on individual words, which enhances their overall literacy development.

Other options focus on different aspects of reading that do not align with the core definition of decoding; for instance, memorizing texts quickly pertains more to rote memory than to the skill of deciphering words. Understanding complex literary themes relates to comprehension abilities rather than the mechanical processes of reading. Reading silently without errors does not specifically address the active process of decoding words, which is essential when discussing the mechanics of reading.