Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What defines R-controlled vowels?

1. They are always long

2. They are affected by the presence of an 'r'

3. They only appear at the end of words

4. They cannot be combined with consonants

The correct answer is: They are affected by the presence of an 'r'

R-controlled vowels are defined by the presence of the letter 'r' following a vowel, which alters the way the vowel is pronounced. This unique relationship changes the standard sounds produced by the vowels. For example, in words such as "car," "her," and "bird," the 'r' modifies the vowel sound, leading to a distinct pronunciation that cannot be classified purely as long or short. The other options do not accurately describe the nature of R-controlled vowels. While the influence of 'r' is crucial, it is not correct that these vowels are always long; they can produce various sounds depending on their position and the letters involved. R-controlled vowels can appear in various positions within words, not just at the end, and they regularly combine with consonants, so the idea that they cannot be is also misleading. Therefore, the defining characteristic is that the presence of an 'r' significantly alters the vowel sound.