What is a key characteristic of a syllable that is defined as "open"?

A key characteristic of an "open" syllable is that it ends with a vowel sound. This means that the vowel in the syllable is not followed by a consonant, allowing the vowel to be pronounced as its long sound. For example, in the word "me," the syllable is open because it ends with the vowel sound /i/. Open syllables play a crucial role in phonics instruction as they often signal that the vowel will have its long sound, which helps students in decoding and reading unfamiliar words.

Understanding open syllables assists in spelling patterns and reading fluency, empowering students to utilize this knowledge as they encounter new vocabulary. The other options describe characteristics of different types of syllables, such as closed syllables, which contain consonants at the end or have specific structures involving silent letters.