Vowel Sounds

Front

What is a vowel?

Back

A vowel is a letter in the alphabet that represents a speech sound made without any closure or blockage of the vocal tract. The vowels in English are A, E, I, O, and U.

Front

What are long vowel sounds?

Back

Long vowel sounds are vowel sounds that are pronounced the same as the name of the letter. For example, the 'a' in 'cake' is a long vowel sound.

Front

What are short vowel sounds?

Back

Short vowel sounds are vowel sounds that are pronounced quickly and do not sound like the name of the letter. For example, the 'a' in 'cat' is a short vowel sound.

Front

Give an example of a word with a long 'a' sound.

Back

The word 'cake' has a long 'a' sound.

Front

Give an example of a word with a short 'e' sound.

Back

The word 'pen' has a short 'e' sound.

Front

What vowel sound is in the word 'boat'?

Back

The vowel sound in 'boat' is /o:/.

Front

What vowel sound is in the word 'bike'?

Back

The vowel sound in 'bike' is /i:/.

Front

What is the difference between long and short vowel sounds?

Back

Long vowel sounds are pronounced longer and sound like the letter name, while short vowel sounds are pronounced quickly and do not sound like the letter name.

Front

What is a silent vowel?

Back

A silent vowel is a vowel that is not pronounced in a word, such as the 'e' in 'cake'.

Front

What is an example of a word with a short 'o' sound?

Back

The word 'top' has a short 'o' sound.