Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

Beginning readers often struggle the most with decoding which type of word?

1. CVCe words, such as ride

2. VCC words, such as ask

3. CVCC words, such as fast

4. CVC words, such as map

The correct answer is: CVCe words, such as ride

Beginning readers typically find decoding challenging for CVCe words, like "ride," because these words include a silent "e" at the end that alters the pronunciation of the preceding vowel. This silent "e" changes short vowel sounds to long vowel sounds, which can be a complicated concept for early readers who are just starting to grasp phonemic awareness and decoding skills. In CVCe words, the presence of the silent "e" introduces an additional layer of complexity, requiring students to understand that the vowel sound in the preceding consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) structure is pronounced differently when followed by an "e." This distinction is a crucial part of phonics instruction and is often a significant hurdle for beginners as they learn to read. In contrast, CVC words, such as "map," use a straightforward pattern that matches sounds directly to letters, making them easier for early readers to decode. CVCC and VCC words also present challenges, but they generally do not involve the complexities of the silent "e," which makes CVCe words notably more challenging for beginning readers mastering decoding skills.