Which of the following best describes a vowel digraph?

A vowel digraph is best described as two vowels that together create a single sound. This phenomenon occurs when two vowels combine to produce one distinct sound, such as in the words "team" or "boat." In these examples, the vowel pairs "ea" and "oa" work together to form one sound, rather than being pronounced separately. This concept is essential for understanding phonics and helps in reading and spelling, as recognizing vowel digraphs contributes to a student's ability to decode words accurately.

The other options do not fit the definition of a vowel digraph. For instance, pairs of consonants refer to consonant blends or digraphs, and the concepts of single vowels followed by consonants do not pertain to vowel digraphs at all. Understanding the nature of vowel digraphs enhances comprehension of the broader topic of phonics, essential in early literacy education.