What best defines the term "grapheme"?

The term "grapheme" is best defined as a written representation of a sound. Graphemes correspond to phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound in spoken language. In writing, these sounds are represented by letters or letter combinations. For instance, the sound /k/ can be represented by the letters 'c,' 'k,' or 'ck' in certain contexts, each of which represents the same phoneme in written form.

This understanding is crucial for developing literacy skills, as phonemic awareness—the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate phonemes—is closely linked to the ability to read and write effectively. By recognizing that graphemes are the symbols that correspond to the sounds of spoken language, learners can better understand spelling and the relationship between written and spoken language.

While the other options touch on aspects of literacy, they do not accurately capture the specific definition of a grapheme. For example, some options refer to sounds or assessments, which are related concepts but do not define what a grapheme is. Only the choice emphasizing a written representation of a sound aligns with the established definition within literacy education.