Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The characteristic of texts for emergent readers that stands out is the use of repetitive words and phrases. Such texts are designed to support early literacy development by promoting familiarity and predictability. When emergent readers encounter repetitive language, it reinforces their understanding of word patterns and sentence structure, helping them to build their vocabulary and develop their reading fluency. This repetition makes it easier for these readers to practice their skills and gain confidence as they begin to recognize and decode words. Furthermore, texts with predictable patterns and repetition enable children to engage actively with the material, as they can anticipate what comes next, facilitating a positive reading experience.

In contrast, academic language might be too complex and abstract for these early readers, making it difficult for them to comprehend. Similarly, complex sentence structures could overwhelm them, as they are just beginning to grasp the basics of grammar. Texts that present multiple perspectives may introduce ideas that require higher-level critical thinking skills not yet developed in emergent readers.