Which of the following describes a consonant digraph?

• A. Multiple syllables combined
• B. Two consecutive consonants representing one sound
• C. A vowel with a consonant
• D. Two separate phonemes

Answer: (B)

A consonant digraph is defined as two consecutive consonants that merge to create a single sound, or phoneme. This means that when these two consonants are paired together, they do not maintain their individual sounds, but rather combine to produce a unique sound. A common example of a consonant digraph is "sh," as in the word "ship," where the "s" and "h" combine to create the "sh" sound.

The correct understanding of a consonant digraph is crucial for literacy instruction, as it helps learners recognize and decode sounds in words. By identifying digraphs, students can improve their reading fluency and phonemic awareness, enhancing their overall reading skills. Recognizing that the letters together produce a different sound than they would separately is key to mastering this aspect of phonics.