TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

According to research, what is the percentage of English words that are phonetically regular?

1. 13%

2. 87%

3. 37%

4. 50%

The correct answer is: 50%

The correct answer, which indicates that approximately 87% of English words are phonetically regular, highlights the significant role of phonetic regularity in the English language. Phonetically regular words are those in which the pronunciation can be accurately predicted based on standard spelling conventions. This high percentage suggests that a substantial majority of words follow consistent phonetic patterns, making it easier for readers, especially those learning to read, to decode unfamiliar words. Understanding this concept is critical for teaching reading, as it supports approaches that emphasize phonics and allows educators to focus instruction on the more irregular words, which make up a smaller portion of the language. This emphasizes the importance of phonics instruction in teaching reading skills, allowing educators to leverage the high percentage of phonetically regular words to develop reading fluency and comprehension in students. In light of this information, the choice indicating 50% would misrepresent the phonetic regularity of English, suggesting a lower level of predictability in pronunciation that is not supported by research.