What benefits does silent reading provide to students?

Silent reading offers a multifaceted range of benefits that contribute significantly to a student’s reading development. Primarily, it promotes fluency by allowing students to read at their own pace, which helps them develop their rhythm and expression without the pressure of reading aloud. As students engage in silent reading, they also enhance their comprehension skills because they can process the text internally without distractions from oral reading or peer pressure. Moreover, silent reading fosters a sense of independence and personal choice, which can ignite a love for reading and a lifelong interest in literature.

In contrast, the other options narrow the focus too much. Enhancing speed is only one aspect of what silent reading can accomplish, and it overlooks the importance of comprehension and enjoyment. Viewing silent reading merely as a method of assessment does not capture its broader role in nurturing developmental skills. Lastly, while silent reading may contribute to vocabulary development, limiting its benefits to this area misses the larger picture of how it cultivates overall literacy skills and a passion for reading. Therefore, option B accurately encompasses the comprehensive advantages that silent reading provides to students.