Question

What is the central element of a syllable called?

• A. Onset
• B. Coda
• C. Nucleus
• D. Cluster

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Nucleus

The nucleus of a syllable is the central element, usually a vowel or diphthong, around which the syllable is built. In the word bat /bæt/, the vowel /æ/ is the nucleus. The consonants /b/ (onset) and /t/ (coda) surround it, forming a CVC structure.