NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the NYSTCE ESOL exam with our practice quizzes. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations to enhance your readiness. Master the test!

Practice this question and more.

What term describes the smallest unit of sound within a word?

Lexeme
Phoneme
Morpheme
Syllable

The correct answer is: Phoneme

The term that describes the smallest unit of sound within a word is "phoneme." Phonemes are the individual sounds that, when combined, make up words in a language. For example, the word "cat" consists of three phonemes: /k/, /æ/, and /t/. These basic sound units are important in phonetics and phonology, which study how sounds function and are organized in particular languages. Understanding phonemes is crucial for language learners, especially for those mastering pronunciation and comprehension in a new language. The identification and manipulation of these sounds can significantly enhance an individual's ability to read and speak effectively. In contrast, lexemes refer to the fundamental units of meaning in a language, morphemes are the smallest meaningful units, and syllables are units of sound that can contain one or more phonemes; none of these options defines the smallest unit of sound. Therefore, "phoneme" is the correct term in this context.