Which of the following best describes "fluency" in reading?

Fluency in reading refers to the ability to read text smoothly, at an appropriate speed, and with good comprehension. This involves not only decoding words correctly but also reading them in a way that sounds natural and understandable, which is essential for overall reading effectiveness. A fluent reader can focus on the meaning of the text rather than on the mechanics of word decoding, allowing for a better grasp of the material.

The other options, while related to aspects of reading, do not encapsulate the full definition of fluency. The use of expressive language relates more to oral reading performance, the ability to decipher unknown words pertains to decoding skills rather than fluency, and finding main ideas is a comprehension strategy that doesn’t directly address the smoothness and speed that characterize fluency. Therefore, recognizing fluency as the capacity to read smoothly with speed and comprehension is the most accurate understanding of the term.