Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What are r-controlled vowels?

1. Vowels that appear before 'r' and are usually short

2. Vowels that appear before 'r' and are neither long nor short but are influenced by the /r/ sound

3. Vowels that appear after consonants

4. Vowels that appear in the middle of a word

The correct answer is: Vowels that appear before 'r' and are usually short

R-controlled vowels refer to vowels that come before the letter 'r' in a syllable and are influenced by it, causing them to create a unique sound that is typically neither fully short nor long. This distinct sound often alters the way the vowel is pronounced. While the choice suggesting these vowels are usually short identifies that they occur before 'r', it inaccurately characterizes the nature of their sound. The defining feature of r-controlled vowels is their dependence on the /r/ that follows them, resulting in a modified pronunciation different from standard short or long vowel sounds. For instance, the vowel in "car" is influenced by the 'r' that follows it, leading it to sound distinctively different from typical short vowels like those in "cat" or “hit.” The other options do not properly describe r-controlled vowels. For instance, mentioning vowels that appear after consonants or in the middle of a word does not address their crucial relationship with 'r' and how that impacts their sound. The essence of r-controlled vowels lies in how the 'r' modifies the preceding vowel, making them a unique aspect of phonics and pronunciation.