In the context of reading, what does the Bottom-Up Theory emphasize?

The Bottom-Up Theory in reading emphasizes the importance of the basic elements of reading, such as letter and word identification, in developing fluency. This theory posits that reading is a process where the reader starts with recognizing individual letters and sounds, which then combine to form words and eventually sentences. As these foundational skills become more automatic, the reader can achieve greater fluency, which is critical for proficient reading.

This theory aligns with a structured approach to reading that focuses on the mechanical aspects of decoding written text. The emphasis on automatic subprocesses means that a reader who can swiftly and accurately identify letters and words is better equipped to understand and engage with the larger text. It’s a sequential process that builds comprehension from the ground up, ensuring that the reader has a solid grasp of the fundamental components before moving on to more complex structures and meanings in the text.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of reading comprehension. For instance, context clues and background knowledge are elements of reading that come into play after the basic identification of words has been mastered. Meanwhile, the notion of reading as a guessing game speaks to a more interpretive and holistic view of understanding text that doesn’t align with the foundational principles of the Bottom-Up Theory. Therefore, choice