What term describes the written representation of sounds in letters?

The correct answer is the term "Orthography," which refers specifically to the conventional spelling system of a language that corresponds written symbols (letters) to their spoken sounds. This involves the rules and patterns that govern how letters are used to represent phonemes, or sounds, in spoken language. Understanding orthography is essential for reading instruction, as it helps learners connect the sounds of speech with their written equivalents, enabling effective decoding and spelling.

Phonetics relates to the study of the sounds themselves, including their production and classification, rather than their written representation. Syntax is concerned with the arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences, while grammar encompasses the overall rules governing the structure of language, including syntax, morphology, and punctuation. Therefore, orthography is the precise term that encapsulates the written representation of sounds in letters, highlighting its direct relevance to reading and writing competence.