What characterizes R controlled vowels?

R-controlled vowels are defined by the way their sounds are influenced by the presence of the letter R following them. When a vowel is followed by an R, it alters the typical sound of that vowel, creating a unique pronunciation that differs from the vowel's standard sound. For example, in words like "car" and "her," the A and E take on different sounds due to the R that follows them. This characteristic of changing sound defines R-controlled vowels and is fundamental to understanding their role in phonics instruction and reading development.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of R-controlled vowels: they do not sound the same, they are not synonymous with silent letters, and they do not include all vowels. Instead, R-controlled vowels specifically refer to a limited group of vowel sounds that interact with the R consonant, which is why acknowledging this influence is crucial for understanding how they function in language.