Which pattern indicates a long vowel sound in written language?

Which pattern indicates a long vowel sound in written language?

• A. CVC pattern
• B. CVCe pattern
• C. CVVC pattern
• D. CVCV pattern

Answer: (B)

The correct choice demonstrates the CVCe pattern, which stands for Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-‘e’. This pattern is used in spelling to indicate a long vowel sound. When a word ends with an 'e', it typically causes the preceding vowel to be pronounced with its long sound, such as in the words "cake," "bike," or "made." In contrast, other patterns do not reliably indicate a long vowel sound. The CVC pattern (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) results in short vowel sounds, as seen in words like "cat" or "bed." The CVVC pattern (Consonant-Vowel-Vowel-Consonant) may sometimes indicate long vowels, but it is largely dependent on the specific words used (e.g., "boat"). The CVCV pattern (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-Vowel) contains alternating consonants and vowels, and the vowel sounds may be short, as in "baby." Thus, the CVCe pattern is distinctive for effectively signaling long vowel sounds in written language.

The correct choice demonstrates the CVCe pattern, which stands for Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-‘e’. This pattern is used in spelling to indicate a long vowel sound. When a word ends with an 'e', it typically causes the preceding vowel to be pronounced with its long sound, such as in the words "cake," "bike," or "made."

In contrast, other patterns do not reliably indicate a long vowel sound. The CVC pattern (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) results in short vowel sounds, as seen in words like "cat" or "bed." The CVVC pattern (Consonant-Vowel-Vowel-Consonant) may sometimes indicate long vowels, but it is largely dependent on the specific words used (e.g., "boat"). The CVCV pattern (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-Vowel) contains alternating consonants and vowels, and the vowel sounds may be short, as in "baby." Thus, the CVCe pattern is distinctive for effectively signaling long vowel sounds in written language.