What does the term "onset rime" refer to in phonological awareness?

The term "onset rime" is specifically used to describe the structure of syllables in phonological awareness. The onset refers to the initial consonant sound or sounds of a syllable, while the rime encompasses the vowel and any following consonants within that syllable. For example, in the word "cat," the onset is the /k/ sound, and the rime is the /æt/ part. Understanding the onset and rime helps in developing phonemic awareness, which is critical for reading and spelling proficiency.

The other options provided do not capture the precise definition of "onset rime." The entire syllable structure would include the onset, rime, and any additional elements, making it broader than the term itself. A specific reading strategy refers to techniques used for improving reading skills, while a form of written spelling pertains to how words are physically represented on paper. Each of these concepts differs from the focused definition of onset rime, emphasizing why the first option is the most accurate choice.