Dividing Before One Consonant (V/CV)

Split before a single consonant between two vowels, making an open first syllable.

When only ONE consonant sits between two vowels, try dividing before it first. This pattern is written V/CV. The first syllable becomes open, so its vowel is long. Try 'paper'. The vowels are a and e, with one p between. Divide pa-per. 'Pa' is open, so you say a long a: PAY-per. More examples are 'ti-ger', 'mo-ment', and 'stu-dent'.

This works about two thirds of the time, which is why it is the first thing to try. In the next lesson you will learn what to do when the long vowel does not make a real word. For now, practice spotting the single consonant and placing your line before it.

• 1One consonant between vowels: try dividing before it.
• 2That makes the first syllable open, so its vowel is long.
• 3Examples: pa-per, ti-ger, mo-ment.