New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What occurs when an r-controlled vowel is present in a word?

1. The r swallows the vowel and it appears before the consonant

2. The vowel sounds identical to the other vowels

3. The vowel is pronounced as a diphthong

4. The consonant becomes silent

The correct answer is: The r swallows the vowel and it appears before the consonant

When an r-controlled vowel is present in a word, the r influences the sound of the vowel, causing it to become neither a long nor a short vowel but a distinct sound influenced by the r. This phenomenon can be described as the r "swallowing" the vowel, meaning that the vowel sound is altered and often becomes more muted or blended with the r sound that follows. For instance, in words like "car" or "her," the presence of the 'r' significantly changes how the vowel is pronounced, to the point where it does not sound like a typical short or long vowel on its own. Instead, the combination creates unique phonetic sounds that listeners must recognize. This concept is fundamental in phonics instruction, as it affects how learners decode and pronounce various words. The other options do not accurately capture the role of the r in these vowel sounds. The vowel does not sound identical to other vowels, it is not pronounced as a diphthong, and generally, the consonant does not become silent due to the presence of the r. Rather, it enhances the overall sound in conjunction with the r-controlled vowel.