Syllables and Vowel Sounds

Front

What is a syllable?

Back

A syllable is a single, unbroken sound of a spoken (or written) word. It usually contains a vowel sound.

Front

What is an open syllable?

Back

An open syllable ends with a vowel sound. The vowel is usually long, like in 'go'.

Front

What is a closed syllable?

Back

A closed syllable ends with a consonant. The vowel is usually short, like in 'cat'.

Front

What is a magic 'e' syllable?

Back

A magic 'e' syllable has an 'e' at the end that makes the vowel before it say its name (long sound), like in 'cake'.

Front

How many syllables are in the word 'banana'?

Back

3 syllables: ba-na-na.

Front

How many syllables are in the word 'elephant'?

Back

3 syllables: el-e-phant.

Front

What is a vowel?

Back

A vowel is a letter that represents a speech sound made with an open vocal tract. The vowels are A, E, I, O, U.

Front

What is a long vowel sound?

Back

A long vowel sound is when the vowel says its name, like the 'a' in 'cake'.

Front

What is a short vowel sound?

Back

A short vowel sound is when the vowel does not say its name, like the 'a' in 'cat'.

Front

What is the vowel sound in the word 'tree'?

Back

The vowel sound is long 'e'.