FREE CALT Orthography and Spelling Rules Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following words correctly applies the FLOSS rule?

Accepted Answer

Fluff

Answer

The FLOSS rule states that in a one-syllable word with a short vowel, the final f, l, s, or z is doubled. 'Fluff' is a one-syllable word with a short 'u' sound, so the final 'f' is correctly doubled. The other words do not meet the criteria for this rule.

Question 2

The digraph 'ck' is typically used to spell the /k/ sound in which situation?

Accepted Answer

After a short vowel in a one-syllable word.

Answer

The 'ck' digraph is used for the /k/ sound immediately following a short vowel in a one-syllable word (e.g., 'duck', 'sick', 'rock'). After a long vowel or vowel team, 'k' or 'ke' is used (e.g., 'soak', 'bike'). After a consonant, 'k' is used (e.g., 'milk', 'bank').

Question 3

In the word 'hope', the Vowel-Consonant-e (VCe) pattern serves what primary function?

Accepted Answer

It makes the preceding vowel long and is silent.

Answer

The VCe pattern, also known as silent 'e' or magic 'e', signals that the preceding vowel has its long sound. The 'e' itself is silent. This is why 'hop' (short /o/) becomes 'hope' (long /o/).

Question 4

Which word correctly demonstrates the rule for changing 'y' to 'i' before adding a suffix?

Accepted Answer

Happily

Answer

The rule is to change 'y' to 'i' when a base word ends in a consonant followed by 'y', before adding a suffix (that doesn't start with 'i'). 'Happy' ends in a consonant + y, so when adding '-ly', it becomes 'happily'. 'Playing' keeps the 'y' because the suffix '-ing' starts with 'i'.

Question 5

Which pair of words best illustrates the difference between a closed syllable and an open syllable?

Accepted Answer

go / got

Answer

A closed syllable ends in a consonant, which 'closes in' the vowel and makes it short (e.g., 'got'). An open syllable ends in a vowel, which is 'open' and makes a long sound (e.g., 'go'). This pair directly contrasts the two syllable types.

CALT - Certified Academic Language Therapist Practice Test

CALT - Certified Academic Language Therapist Practice Test

FREE CALT Orthography and Spelling Rules Questions and Answers