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What characterizes a consonant digraph?

  1. Two vowels that represent one speech sound

  2. Two consonants that represent one speech sound

  3. A consonant followed by a vowel

  4. A blend of three consonants

The correct answer is: Two consonants that represent one speech sound

A consonant digraph is characterized by two consonants that come together to create a single speech sound. This means that when these two consonants are used in a word, they do not each retain their individual sounds; instead, they combine to produce a unique sound that is distinct from the sounds of the individual letters. For example, in the digraph "ch" as in the word "chair," the combination produces a sound that is different than the "c" and "h" sounds pronounced separately. Understanding consonant digraphs helps in recognizing patterns in language and improving reading skills, as certain combinations are commonly found in English. This foundational aspect of phonics is crucial for developing literacy, particularly in early readers who are learning to decode words.