Syllables and Vowel Sounds

Front

What is a syllable?

Back

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

Front

What is a closed syllable?

Back

A closed syllable ends with a consonant and has a short vowel sound. Example: 'cat'.

Front

What is an open syllable?

Back

An open syllable ends with a vowel and has a long vowel sound. Example: 'he'.

Front

What is a 'magic e'?

Back

A 'magic e' is an 'e' at the end of a word that makes the vowel before it say its name (long sound). Example: 'cake'.

Front

How many syllables are in the word 'banana'?

Back

3 syllables: ba-na-na.

Front

How many syllables are in the word 'computer'?

Back

3 syllables: com-pu-ter.

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 short vowel sound?

Back

A short vowel sound is the sound a vowel makes in a closed syllable. Example: 'a' in 'cat'.

Front

What is a long vowel sound?

Back

A long vowel sound is the sound a vowel makes when it says its name. Example: 'a' in 'cake'.

Front

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

Back

The vowel sound is short e.