What is the difference between decoding and encoding?

What is the difference between decoding and encoding?

• A. Decoding is reading a word; encoding is hearing a word and writing it down
• B. Decoding is reading a word aloud; encoding is spelling a word
• C. Decoding is writing; encoding is reading
• D. Decoding is hearing a word and writing it down; encoding is reading a word

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how we move between written text and spoken language. Decoding means turning written text into spoken language by sounding out the letters and blending the sounds. Encoding means taking spoken language and turning it into written form by choosing the correct letters and spelling. So, decoding is what you do when you read a word and pronounce it. Encoding is what you do when you hear a word and write it down, capturing the sounds with letters. For example, seeing the word and saying it aloud shows decoding; hearing the word and spelling it shows encoding. Why this fits best: decoding focuses on translating from print to sound, while encoding focuses on translating from sound to print. The other descriptions mix up the directions or the exact process (such as reading aloud as the sole focus, or writing being decoding), which isn’t as precise about the two-way relationship between spoken and written language.

The main idea is how we move between written text and spoken language. Decoding means turning written text into spoken language by sounding out the letters and blending the sounds. Encoding means taking spoken language and turning it into written form by choosing the correct letters and spelling.

So, decoding is what you do when you read a word and pronounce it. Encoding is what you do when you hear a word and write it down, capturing the sounds with letters. For example, seeing the word and saying it aloud shows decoding; hearing the word and spelling it shows encoding.

Why this fits best: decoding focuses on translating from print to sound, while encoding focuses on translating from sound to print. The other descriptions mix up the directions or the exact process (such as reading aloud as the sole focus, or writing being decoding), which isn’t as precise about the two-way relationship between spoken and written language.