Which of the following describes a syllable containing a vowel followed by the letter r, like in "car"?

A syllable containing a vowel followed by the letter "r" is known as an R-controlled vowel. In this context, the vowel does not produce its typical sound because the influence of the following "r" alters the way the vowel is pronounced. For instance, in the word "car," the "a" is affected by the "r," creating a distinct sound that is different from the long "a" sound typically associated with the letter.

This concept highlights how certain letters following a vowel can change its sound, which is critical in understanding phonics and improving reading skills. Recognizing R-controlled vowels is an essential aspect of phonemic awareness, helping learners decode words more effectively.

Other options reflect different syllable structures that do not involve the specific interaction of a vowel and an "r." For example, a vowel-consonant-e syllable ends with a silent "e" that modifies the vowel’s sound, like in "cake." The consonant-le syllable involves a specific pattern at the end of a word, and an open syllable ends in a vowel that typically has a long sound. However, none capture the unique characteristic of the vowel being controlled by the "r" that makes option B the accurate choice.