Answer :
Final answer:
Nonsense-word reading is an effective assessment tool for decoding because it compels students to apply their phonics knowledge to sound out unfamiliar word structures without relying on memorization. Hence the correct option would be option b.
Explanation:
Nonsense-word reading is a useful way to assess decoding because it requires students to rely on their knowledge of sound/spelling correspondences to pronounce a word. Unlike sight words, which may be memorized, nonsense words have not been previously encountered, so students must actively use phonics skills to figure them out. This means that their ability to decode is genuinely tested, as they can't fall back on memorization. Nonsense words serve as a robust indicator of a student's decoding proficiency, which is essential for reading unfamiliar words effectively, particularly as texts become more challenging.
