Correct Response: D. Option D is correct because these regular words feature syllables with which the students are familiar. The word reveal includes an open syllable and a basic vowel- team syllable that makes a long vowel sound. The word combine includes a closed syllable and a silent-e syllable. And the word explain includes a closed syllable and a vowel-team syllable that makes a long vowel sound. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because the words in these lists feature phonics elements that the students have not learned yet. Options A and B feature advanced vowel teams. The vowel team in treadmill, healthy, and pleasant (A) makes a short vowel sound, while the vowel teams in council, county, and avoid (B) make diphthongs.
Meanwhile, the words in Option C end in a consonant + le syllable, which is a syllable type that the students have not learned yet.