Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a closed syllable?

The characteristic that is NOT associated with a closed syllable is one that states it must have a long vowel sound. Closed syllables are defined by the fact that they end with one or more consonants, which typically results in a short-vowel sound. When a vowel is followed by one or more consonants, the vowel sound is usually short, as seen in words like "cat" or "med." Thus, the idea that a closed syllable must use a long vowel sound contradicts the definition.

Closed syllables may include vowel sounds, but the defining aspect is that they do not result in long vowel sounds. In contrast, other syllable types, such as open syllables, end with a vowel and can produce a long sound. This distinction is key in understanding how different syllables function within the English language.