Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

Which of the following statements is true regarding short vowels?

1. They always have two letters

2. They do not represent the name of the vowel

3. They are only found in two-syllable words

4. They can be identified by a silent letter

The correct answer is: They do not represent the name of the vowel

The statement that short vowels do not represent the name of the vowel is true. Short vowels are characterized by their pronunciation, which is distinct from the long vowel sound that corresponds to the letter's name. For example, in the word "cat," the "a" is pronounced as a short vowel sound rather than the long vowel sound as in "cake." This differentiation is key in phonics and reading instruction, as short vowels are essential for understanding word formation and phonetic patterns in the English language. The other statements do not accurately describe short vowels. For instance, short vowels can consist of a single letter as seen in words like "hat" or "vet." They are also not limited to two-syllable words, as they can appear in single-syllable words as well. Lastly, while silent letters can exist in words with short vowels, they do not help identify short vowels themselves. Understanding these distinctions helps reinforce the concept of vowel sounds, which is vital for reading fluency and decoding.