Which type of syllable is illustrated by the word 'like'?

The word 'like' illustrates a vowel-consonant-e syllable type, also known as the silent e pattern. In this structure, the syllable typically consists of a vowel followed by a consonant and then a final silent 'e.' The presence of the silent 'e' at the end of the word indicates that the preceding vowel is usually pronounced with a long sound, as is the case with the 'i' in 'like.' This silent e effectively alters the pronunciation of the vowel, demonstrating the role of the vowel-consonant-e pattern in phonics instruction.

This understanding is foundational for teaching reading, as recognizing different syllable types helps students decode unfamiliar words and enhances their overall literacy skills. The identification of this specific syllable pattern emphasizes how certain phonetic structures can influence vowel sounds in English.