How is a closed syllable defined?

A closed syllable is defined as a syllable that ends with a consonant. This structure results in the vowel sound within the syllable being typically short, as the closing consonant "closes" off the syllable and prevents the vowel from being pronounced as a long sound.

For example, in the word "cat," the syllable contains the vowel "a," which is followed by the consonant "t," making it a closed syllable. This is an essential aspect of understanding syllable structure, as it influences pronunciation and phonics instruction, particularly in teaching reading and spelling.

The other options do not accurately define a closed syllable. A syllable that ends with a vowel, for instance, represents an open syllable, where the vowel tends to have a long sound. Spelling involving two consonants does not define the close structure either; instead, it can pertain to both open and closed syllables depending on how those consonants are used. Meanwhile, beginning a syllable with a vowel does not provide any information about whether the syllable is open or closed. Thus, the identification of a closed syllable as one that ends in a consonant is key for both phonetic understanding and literacy education.