What skill is described as the ability to read a text accurately and quickly?

Fluency is defined as the ability to read a text accurately and quickly, demonstrating smoothness and ease in reading without hesitations or errors. This skill is crucial for effective reading, as it allows readers to focus on understanding the content rather than struggling with the mechanics of decoding words. Fluent readers can process text automatically, which facilitates better comprehension because they can devote more cognitive resources to interpreting and analyzing the material they are reading.

Conversely, comprehension involves understanding the meaning of the text, vocabulary refers to the knowledge of words and their meanings, and confidence relates to a person’s belief in their reading abilities. While all these skills are important in the reading process, fluency specifically addresses the speed and accuracy of reading, making it the correct choice in this context.