Phonics Assessment

What sound does the letter 'C' make in the word "cat"?

• /k/

• /s/

• /t/

• /d/

Answer explanation

In the word 'cat', the letter 'C' makes the /k/ sound, as in 'cat'. This is a hard 'C' sound, distinguishing it from the soft 'C' sound, which is /s/, as in 'city'. Therefore, the correct answer is /k/.

Which word starts with the same sound as "phone"?

• fish

• car

• graph

• boat

Answer explanation

The word "fish" starts with the same sound as "phone" because both begin with the "f" sound. The other options do not share this initial sound.

What sound does 'sh' make in the word "ship"?

• /ch/

• /sh/

• /s/

• /f/

Answer explanation

In the word 'ship', the 'sh' combination produces the /sh/ sound, as in 'shoe'. This distinguishes it from other sounds like /ch/, /s/, or /f/, making /sh/ the correct answer.

Which word has the same ending sound as "dog"?

• cat

• log

• fish

• map

Answer explanation

The word "log" has the same ending sound as "dog". Both words end with the "og" sound, making "log" the correct choice. The other options do not share this ending sound.

What sound does 'ch' make in the word "chicken"?

• /k/

• /sh/

• /ch/

• /s/

Answer explanation

In the word 'chicken', the 'ch' combination produces the /ch/ sound, as in 'chocolate'. This distinguishes it from other sounds like /k/, /sh/, or /s/, making /ch/ the correct choice.

What is the first sound in the word "knock"?

• /n/

• /k/

• /kn/

• /ch/

Answer explanation

The first sound in "knock" is /n/. The initial 'k' is silent, making /n/ the first audible sound when pronouncing the word.

Which word rhymes with "tree"?

• free

• ten

• cat

• dog

Answer explanation

The word "free" rhymes with "tree" because they share the same ending sound. The other options, "ten," "cat," and "dog," do not have the same ending sound, making "free" the correct choice.

What sound does 'wh' make in the word "whale"?

• /w/

• /h/

• /wh/

• /f/

Answer explanation

In the word 'whale', the 'wh' combination produces the /w/ sound, similar to the sound made by the letter 'w'. Therefore, the correct answer is /w/.

Which word rhymes with "star"?

• car

• pen

• dog

• cat

Answer explanation

The word "car" rhymes with "star" because they share the same ending sound. The other options, "pen," "dog," and "cat," do not have the same ending sound as "star," making "car" the correct choice.

What sound does 'th' make in the word "think"?

• /t/

• /th/

• /f/

• /s/

Answer explanation

In the word 'think', the 'th' represents a voiceless dental fricative sound, which is transcribed as /th/. This sound is distinct from /t/, /f/, and /s/, making /th/ the correct choice.