CALT Orthography and Spelling Rules 5

Question 1

A student writes 'waching' instead of 'watching.' Which orthographic concept explains the correct spelling?

Accepted Answer

The 'tch' trigraph follows a short vowel

Answer

The trigraph '-tch' is used to spell /tʃ/ immediately after a short vowel in a one-syllable word, mirroring the '-ck' and '-dge' conventions.

Question 2

Which syllable type is found in the first syllable of 'robot'?

Accepted Answer

Open syllable

Answer

An open syllable ends in a vowel that is typically long; 'ro-' ends in the vowel 'o,' making it an open syllable with the long /oʊ/ sound.

Question 3

The word 'psychology' begins with a silent 'p.' From which language does this spelling pattern originate?

Accepted Answer

Greek

Answer

The 'ps-' onset for the /s/ sound comes from Greek roots, as seen in 'psyche,' 'pterodactyl,' and 'pneumonia.'

Question 4

When adding '-ing' to 'run,' the correct form is 'running.' Which feature of 'run' triggers consonant doubling?

Accepted Answer

It is a one-syllable word with one short vowel and one final consonant

Answer

The 1-1-1 rule applies: one syllable, one short vowel, one final consonant — the 'n' doubles before the vowel suffix '-ing.'

Question 5

Which of the following words contains a vowel digraph (vowel team) where two vowels together represent one long vowel sound?

Accepted Answer

boat

Answer

'Boat' contains the vowel team 'oa,' which represents the long /oʊ/ sound; 'coin,' 'boy,' and 'loud' contain diphthongs, not single long vowel sounds.

CALT - Certified Academic Language Therapist Practice Test

CALT - Certified Academic Language Therapist Practice Test

CALT Orthography and Spelling Rules 5