Question 52

A closed syllable is exemplified by the words in set A.

A closed syllable occurs when a syllable ends in a consonant, which causes the vowel sound to be short. The words "complex," "disconnect," and "hatch" all feature closed syllables, as each has a vowel followed by one or more consonants.

A) Complex disconnect hatch

This option is correct because each word contains at least one closed syllable. In "complex," the syllables "com" and "plex" both end in consonants; "disconnect" has the syllables "dis" and "con" ending in consonants; and "hatch" is a single syllable that ends with a consonant.

B) Dirty nurse perfume

This option is incorrect. The words "dirty" and "nurse" each contain a closed syllable, but "perfume" has an open syllable in "per" and ends in a vowel sound, making it not a closed syllable.

C) Because domain flour

This option is incorrect as well. The words "because" and "domain" contain open syllables; "because" ends with a vowel sound, and "domain" has the vowel followed by a silent 'n.' "Flour" does contain a closed syllable, but since not all words follow the closed syllable rule, this option is not valid.

D) Cargo iodine radio

This option is also incorrect. The word "cargo" has a closed syllable with "car," but "iodine" has an open syllable structure with "io." The word "radio" also does not conform to closed syllable rules, as it ends with an open vowel sound.

Conclusion

Option A is definitively correct as all words provided contain closed syllables, fulfilling the criteria necessary for the question. In contrast, the other options each contain at least one word that does not meet the closed syllable definition, making them invalid choices.