Which of the following correctly describes a closed syllable?

A closed syllable is defined as a syllable that ends with a consonant, effectively "closing" the syllable. This characteristic is essential because the presence of the final consonant impacts the vowel sound that precedes it. In a closed syllable, the vowel sound is typically short, which contrasts with an open syllable where the vowel is usually long and followed by nothing (or another vowel sound). Thus, answering with the option that states a closed syllable ends with a consonant accurately captures the key feature of this type of syllable. This foundational understanding is critical in phonics and reading instruction, as it helps in teaching how to decode words and recognize spelling patterns.