FTCE Reading K-12 Practice Exam

The primary focus of phonology is indeed the study of speech patterns and sound distributions. Phonology examines how sounds function within a particular language or languages, including the rules that govern their organization and the ways in which sounds can change and interact. This encompasses the broader analysis of phonemes, syllables, and the intonation patterns that contribute to meaning in spoken language. Understanding phonology is crucial for developing effective reading and language skills, as it lays the foundation for how words are formed and pronounced, which is essential for both reading and oral communication. The other options, while related to aspects of language and literacy, do not capture the core essence of phonology. For instance, written language manipulation pertains to orthography and literacy skills rather than sound systems, assessment of reading levels focuses on the evaluation of comprehension and reading ability rather than sound structures, and expressive reading skills involve performance aspects of reading aloud but do not delve into the sound patterns themselves.