Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

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Prepare for the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Achieve success on your exam!

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What is a blend in phonics?

  1. A combination of vowels that creates a single sound

  2. A combination of consonants where each sound is heard

  3. A digraph that represents a vowel sound

  4. A syllable without a rime

The correct answer is: A combination of consonants where each sound is heard

A blend in phonics refers to a combination of consonants where each individual sound is distinctly audible while being pronounced together. For example, in the word "block," the initial sounds /b/, /l/, and /k/ can each be heard clearly. This ability to hear and articulate each consonant separately is a key characteristic of blends, and it is vital in developing phonemic awareness—the understanding that words are made up of individual sounds. Blends are different from digraphs, which are combinations of two letters that create a single sound, such as 'sh' or 'ch.' In the context of the choices provided, the other options fail to accurately define a blend, focusing instead on vowel combinations, single sounds, or characteristics of syllables. Thus, the understanding of blends is essential for aiding students in reading and spelling by enabling them to decode words effectively.