NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

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What is defined as an open syllable in linguistics?

  1. A syllable ending with a consonant

  2. A syllable that is closed and short

  3. A syllable that ends with a vowel sound

  4. A syllable that contains two or more sounds

The correct answer is: A syllable that ends with a vowel sound

An open syllable is defined as a syllable that ends with a vowel sound. This characteristic distinguishes open syllables from closed syllables, which end with a consonant sound. In the context of linguistics and phonology, open syllables are important because they typically carry certain vowel characteristics, such as being longer or having a different intonation pattern. For example, in the word "go," the "go" is an open syllable because it ends in the vowel sound /o/. This open structure allows for more fluid pronunciation and can influence the rhythm and melody of speech. Recognizing open syllables can be crucial for language teaching and phonetic analysis, especially in understanding how different syllable structures can affect language development and literacy.