What are nonsense words that are phonetically regular referred to in assessments?

Nonsense words that are phonetically regular are known as pseudowords. These are constructed using phonetic rules that govern the spelling and structure of language but do not have any meaning in English or any other language. In assessments, pseudowords are particularly useful for evaluating a student's ability to apply their knowledge of phonics and sound-letter correspondences accurately. Practicing with pseudowords allows educators to assess a student's decoding skills without the confounding factor of vocabulary knowledge, as the students must rely solely on their understanding of phonetic rules.

This focus on decoding helps in measuring the effectiveness of phonics instruction and understanding a student's overall reading development. Pseudowords serve as a valuable tool in literacy assessments, helping educators identify areas where students may need further support or instruction.