FTCE Reading K-12 Practice Exam

In language development, what is a characteristic of consonant blends?

1. They consist of only one consonant sound

2. They must include a vowel

3. They allow each consonant to be distinctly heard

4. They are always followed by a vowel

The correct answer is: They allow each consonant to be distinctly heard

Consonant blends, also known as consonant clusters, are combinations of two or more consonant sounds that are pronounced together without any intervening vowels. The defining characteristic of consonant blends is that each consonant's sound is clearly articulated, allowing for distinct pronunciation of each consonant within the blend. This is particularly important for phonemic awareness and reading development, as recognizing and distinguishing these sounds can aid in decoding words. For instance, in the word "street," both the "s" and "t" sounds are heard distinctly in the initial blend. This characteristic contrasts with other phonetic structures where consonant sounds may merge or be pronounced in a way that obscures their individual identities. Consequently, this clarity in sound helps young readers and language learners understand how to break down and build up words effectively.