Final answer:
The statement 'Reading rate and expression are the focus of simultaneous oral reading' is true. Simultaneous oral reading is a practice to improve fluency and prosody by focusing on how quickly and expressively students can read.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reading rate and expression are indeed the focus of simultaneous oral reading, so the statement 'Reading rate and expression are the focus of simultaneous oral reading' is true.
When students engage in simultaneous oral reading, they are practicing how quickly they can read (rate) as well as how well they can convey meaning through the use of their voice (expression). This technique serves to improve both fluency and prosody in reading.
It's important to note that simultaneous oral reading, when done in a group setting, allows for real-time feedback and correction, which aids in developing these critical reading skills.