Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

What phonics generalization can often be applied to vowel sounds when two vowels are together?

1. First vowel is silent

2. Last vowel is the longer sound

3. First one does the talking

4. Both vowels are pronounced

The correct answer is: First one does the talking

The concept where "the first vowel does the talking" pertains to a common phonics rule often referred to as the "silent e" rule or the generalization of the Vowel Team where the first vowel in a pair of adjacent vowels typically represents a long vowel sound, while the second may remain silent or represent a different sound. This pattern allows learners to decode words more effectively by reinforcing the connection between vowel pairs and their sounds in specific contexts. Applying this phonics generalization helps students recognize that in many words, particularly in common vowel combinations like "ai," "ea," or "oa," it is often the first vowel that dictates the sound, encouraging proper pronunciation and spelling strategies. This understanding is foundational in developing reading and writing skills, helping students grasp why certain vowel combinations sound the way they do and providing a systematic way to decode new and unfamiliar words.