North Carolina Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What is the best interpretation of emergent writers using letters to represent sounds?

1. They are demonstrating confusion about letters.

2. They understand that letters symbolize predictable sounds.

3. They are at the final stage of writing development.

4. They are unable to write at all.

The correct answer is: They understand that letters symbolize predictable sounds.

Emergent writers utilizing letters to represent sounds are demonstrating an understanding of the concept that letters can symbolize specific sounds. This behavior indicates that the writer is beginning to grasp the phonetic nature of writing, which is a crucial aspect of literacy development. They are not merely guessing or confused; rather, they are engaging in a creative process of translating sounds into written form, suggesting an awareness of the alphabetic principle. This indicates they are beginning to make connections between spoken language and its written representation, a foundational skill necessary for becoming proficient readers and writers. This interpretation highlights their progress and engagement in developing literacy skills rather than suggesting confusion or a lack of ability, which would be indicated by other responses provided.