Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

The term for the initial consonant sound in a syllable is "onset." An onset is the part of a syllable that precedes the vowel sound. For example, in the word "cat," the onset is the /k/ sound, while the vowel sound is the /æ/. Understanding the concept of onset is crucial for reading instruction, as it helps learners break down words into their component sounds, aiding in phonemic awareness and spelling skills.

The other terms listed relate to different aspects of syllables and phonetics. "Rime" refers to the vowel sound and any consonants that follow it within the same syllable, which contrasts with the onset. "Blend" refers to a combination of two or more consonant sounds pronounced together without losing their individual sounds, such as in "bl" or "st." "Vowel" is a speech sound that is typically produced without any significant constriction of airflow in the vocal tract, which plays a different role in syllable structure.