Which one of the following is a closed syllable word?
a) Music b) Cactus c) Even
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is b) Cactus.
Explanation:
In phonics, syllables are classified based on the presence or absence of a vowel sound and whether that syllable is “open” or “closed.” A closed syllable refers to a syllable where the vowel is followed by one or more consonants, causing the vowel to have a short sound. This is in contrast to an open syllable, where the vowel is at the end of the syllable and generally has a long sound.
Let’s analyze each option in detail:
- Music – This word is not a closed syllable word. It has two syllables: “Mu-” and “-sic”. The first syllable (“Mu-“) is an open syllable because it ends with a vowel (the “u”), and the vowel typically makes a long sound, as in “mu” (pronounced /ˈmjuː/). Therefore, “music” contains an open syllable.
- Cactus – This word is a closed syllable word. It also has two syllables: “Cac-” and “-tus”. The first syllable (“Cac-“) is a closed syllable because the vowel “a” is followed by the consonant “c”, and the vowel makes a short sound, as in the “a” in “cat” (pronounced /kæktəs/). Therefore, “cactus” fits the criteria of a closed syllable word.
- Even – This word is not a closed syllable word. It has two syllables: “E-” and “-ven”. The first syllable (“E-“) is an open syllable because the vowel “e” is at the end of the syllable and typically makes a long sound, as in “ee” (pronounced /ˈiːvən/). Thus, “even” is not a closed syllable word.
Conclusion:
A closed syllable has a vowel that is followed by one or more consonants, causing the vowel to make a short sound. “Cactus” fits this definition, while “music” and “even” contain open syllables. Therefore, cactus is the correct answer.