Which component focuses on identifying words by their sounds?

The correct choice is centered on phonemic awareness, which specifically involves the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds in spoken language. This includes skills such as identifying phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound in language. Phonemic awareness is foundational for developing reading skills, as it enables learners to decode words by associating sounds with letters and letter combinations.

In contrast, vocabulary development refers to understanding and using words, but it does not specifically focus on sounds. Fluency involves the ability to read text smoothly and accurately, integrating both speed and comprehension, but it does not center on the identification of sounds. Reading comprehension is the ability to understand and interpret text, which is built upon the earlier skills of phonemic awareness and vocabulary but is not concerned with sound identification itself.