What aspect of reading is defined by appropriate intonation, phrasing, and pausing?

The correct answer is defined as prosody, which refers to the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech when reading aloud. This aspect of reading involves how a reader conveys meaning through their voice, including the use of appropriate intonation, phrasing, and pausing. Effective prosody improves the overall expressiveness of reading and enhances comprehension as it helps listeners to understand the emotional tone and nuances of the text being read. When readers utilize proper prosody, they make the text come alive and communicate its meaning more effectively, thereby supporting the listener's understanding and engagement.

While comprehension relates to understanding the text, fluency encompasses the ability to read smoothly and accurately, and decoding refers to the ability to recognize and understand written words. These are important components of reading as well, but they do not specifically focus on the expressive elements conveyed through voice that are intrinsic to prosody.