Can someone please point me in the right direction on these. I have no idea what these mean. Thank you for any help.

In each of the following series, circle the phonic element that does not belong in this sort, and then give an explanation for your choice using appropriate terminology.

1. th, ph, wh, sk, gh
2. rid, gum, go, an, egg
3. too, how, toy, clout, boil
4. made, file, chance, boat, cheese
5. sm, sl, wh, dr, fr

1. th, ph, wh, sk, gh

All but one has the same second letter.

2. rid, gum, go, an, egg
All but one has a short vowel.

3. too, how, toy, clout, boil
All but one has two vowels together (diphthong).

See if you can figure out the other two.

Thank you so much Ms. Sue.

You're welcome, suzanna.

Sure! Let's break down each series and identify the phonic element that doesn't belong.

1. th, ph, wh, sk, gh
The phonic element that doesn't belong in this series is "sk." The reason is that "sk" doesn't share the same phonetic pattern as the other elements in the series, which are digraphs. Digraphs are two letters that together represent a single sound, while "sk" represents two separate sounds.

2. rid, gum, go, an, egg
The phonic element that doesn't belong in this series is "egg." The reason is that "egg" doesn't fit the pattern of the other elements in the series, which have short vowel sounds. "Egg," on the other hand, has a long vowel sound.

3. too, how, toy, clout, boil
The phonic element that doesn't belong in this series is "clout." The reason is that "clout" doesn't share the same vowel sound pattern as the other elements in the series, which all have long vowel sounds. "Clout" has a different vowel sound, and it breaks the pattern.

4. made, file, chance, boat, cheese
The phonic element that doesn't belong in this series is "chance." The reason is that "chance" doesn't share the same vowel sound pattern as the other elements in the series, which all have long vowel sounds. "Chance" has a different vowel sound, and it breaks the pattern.

5. sm, sl, wh, dr, fr
The phonic element that doesn't belong in this series is "wh." The reason is that "wh" doesn't fit the pattern of the other elements in the series, which all have two consonants before the vowel sound. "Wh" only has one consonant before the vowel sound.

To solve these types of questions, you can analyze and compare the phonetic patterns among the elements in the series. By understanding the phonetic relationships, you can identify the element that doesn't fit the established pattern.