Mississippi Foundations of Reading Practice Test

Which statement best defines a long vowel?

1. A vowel sound produced at a lower tongue position

2. A vowel sound that is the same as its name

3. A vowel sound that appears only at the end of a word

4. A vowel sound with no specific articulation

The correct answer is: A vowel sound that is the same as its name

A long vowel is accurately defined as a vowel sound that is the same as its name. This means that when a long vowel is pronounced, the sound made corresponds directly to the letter's name in the alphabet. For example, the long 'a' sound as in the word "cake" mirrors the name of the letter 'A'. This characteristic helps differentiate long vowel sounds from short vowel sounds, which are pronounced differently from the name of the vowel letter. Understanding long vowels is crucial for teaching phonics, as it lays the foundation for reading and spelling in early literacy development. The other choices do not effectively describe a long vowel sound. For instance, the idea that a long vowel sound is produced at a lower tongue position does not accurately represent how long vowels are articulated. Additionally, the notion that long vowels appear only at the end of a word is misleading since long vowels can occur in various positions within words. Finally, stating that a long vowel sound has no specific articulation overlooks the clear and distinct pronunciation that characterizes long vowels.