Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What is a consonant digraph?

1. Two consonants combined to make a unique sound

2. A blend of consonants and vowels

3. A sequence of three consonant letters

4. A grouping of similar sounding consonants

The correct answer is: Two consonants combined to make a unique sound

A consonant digraph is defined as two consonants that come together to create a single, unique sound that is different from the individual sounds each consonant would produce on its own. For example, in the word "chop," the letters "ch" combine to produce the distinct sound /ch/, rather than the sounds /k/ and /h/ separately. Understanding this concept is important for phonics and reading instruction because recognizing consonant digraphs helps students decode words more effectively. It enables learners to understand that certain combinations of letters work together to represent specific sounds, which can enhance their reading fluency and comprehension skills.