Vowel Sounds and Syllables Flashcard

Front

What is a vowel sound?

Back

A vowel sound is a sound in spoken language that is produced without any significant constriction or blockage of airflow in the vocal tract. Examples include the sounds of 'a', 'e', 'i', 'o', and 'u'.

Front

What is an open syllable?

Back

An open syllable is a syllable that ends with a vowel sound, which typically makes a long vowel sound. For example, the word 'he' has an open syllable.

Front

What is a closed syllable?

Back

A closed syllable is a syllable that ends with a consonant, which usually makes a short vowel sound. For example, the word 'cat' has a closed syllable.

Front

What is the short /e/ sound?

Back

The short /e/ sound is the vowel sound in words like 'bed', 'red', and 'said'. It is pronounced as /ɛ/.

Front

What is the long /oo/ sound?

Back

The long /oo/ sound is the vowel sound in words like 'school', 'moon', and 'food'. It is pronounced as /uː/.

Front

What is the difference between short and long vowel sounds?

Back

Short vowel sounds are typically pronounced quickly and do not say the name of the vowel (e.g., 'a' in 'cat'), while long vowel sounds are pronounced the same as the name of the vowel (e.g., 'a' in 'cake').

Front

What is the /ou/ sound in 'brought'?

Back

The /ou/ sound in 'brought' is pronounced as /ɔː/ and is similar to the sound in 'taught'.

Front

What is a diphthong?

Back

A diphthong is a complex vowel sound that begins with one vowel sound and glides into another within the same syllable, such as the 'oi' in 'boil'.

Front

What is the short /i/ sound?

Back

The short /i/ sound is the vowel sound in words like 'bit', 'sit', and 'hit'. It is pronounced as /ɪ/.

Front

What is a syllable?

Back

A syllable is a unit of pronunciation that contains a vowel sound and may or may not be surrounded by consonants. For example, 'cat' has one syllable, while 'happy' has two.