Professional Documents
Culture Documents
pelling
P
E
L
L
and
ronunciation
for
nglish
anguage
earners
eBook
Susan Boyer
Practice Book
Published by
Boyer Educational Resources
for worldwide distribution.
Phone/fax +61 2 4739 1538
E-mail: boyer@emunet.com.au
Web address: www.boyereducation.com.au
Acknowledgments
I would like to express my thanks to the following people for their contribution to the final presentation of
this book:
Firstly, I would like to thank all the people who trialed the exercises and activities contained in this book
and suggested improvements. In particular, I wish to thank the Bonnello family, Alison Hey, Sheila Addison,
Donovan and Rebecca Jenkins, Jeanette Christian, Timothy Christian, Mark Bagley and Terry Stroble.
I am, of course, particularly indebted to the many students who have given me the necessary insight into
the spelling and pronunciation needs of English language learners around the world.
And last but not least, I want to thank my dear husband, Len, for his encouragement and support
throughout the project, as well as the many hours spent in the production of this resource.
The images used herein were obtained from IMSI's MasterClips Collection,
1895 Francisco Blvd. East, San Rafael, CA 94901-5506, USA.
Boyer, Susan
Spelling and Pronunciation for English Language Learners
ISBN: 1 877074 04 7
1. English language Spelling Pronunciation I. Boyer Educational Resources
II Title
421.52
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form
or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior
consent of the publisher.
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visual - seeing the patterns and relationship between English spelling and pronunciation,
auditory - hearing words with the same sounds by reading aloud words in rhyming sentences,
physical - writing the words for consolidation of the patterns by using varied writing activities,
logical - understanding the patterns of English spelling, such as which letter combinations
are possible in English and which never occur in English.
The language activities and dictionary exercises used in this book encourage students to become
independent learners and to take responsibility for their ongoing learning. The introductory
section provides information and practice in using a dictionary effectively. Throughout the
following activities, students are encouraged to check their own dictionary to see the relationship
between the pronunciation and spelling of new vocabulary.
The approach used in this book takes into account that repetition is one of the most important
elements in learning a new language, particularly when learning and improving spelling.
The approach also takes into account that learning happens best when learners enjoy what they
are doing. Therefore, the aim has been to provide activities that are varied and interesting, as
well as informative.
I sincerely hope you enjoy and benefit from using Spelling and Pronunciation for English
Language Learners.
Susan Boyer
SPELL
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Pages
Understanding syllables
7 - 38
39 - 58
59 - 69
Homophones
60 - 63
64
65 - 68
Silent syllables
69
A final note
69
70 - 85
Answers to exercises
86 - 95
96
97
98
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Part One
Introduction to the spelling and
pronunciation of English
In this section you will:
learn some basic principles about English spelling and pronunciation
learn how your dictionary can help you
have practice using your dictionary to check pronunciation
learn some basic principles about syllables in words.
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Because there are more sounds in spoken English than letters in written English,
some English letters represent more than one sound.
Each English vowel letter (a, e, i, o, u) can be pronounced as a short sound and one or more
long sounds. For example, the letter a can represent three common sounds. For example:
The letter a is pronounced as a short sound in cat, pack, hand, man,
a is pronounced as a longer sound in cake, make, face (adding the letter e at the end
makes a longer),
a is pronounced as a longer sound in cart, park, hard, are, far.
Many written English words follow spelling patterns that you can learn. However, some
words dont fit into any pattern and you will have to memorize them.
Practice
As an example, check the word welcome in your dictionary and you will see that the
pronunciation of the word welcome is shown as /welkm/. The symbol in the word
welcome, tells the dictionary reader to pronounce the second part of the word more quickly
and quietly than the first part of the word. You will learn more about this on page 5.
You can learn more about the pronunciation of English in the book and audio material:
Understanding English Pronunciation an integrated practice course
See final page for details.
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You can see all the sound symbols of English on page 98, where the Phonemic Chart of English
Sounds shows the sound symbols, along with example words to demonstrate each sound.
If you are not already familiar with all these symbols, dont worry. It is not necessary to memorize*
all the sound symbols of English but it is very helpful to understand how your dictionary uses
symbols to represent sounds.
*The word memorize can also be written as memorise.
Revision
1) How many letters are there in written English?
__________
__________
__________
You will learn more about how to use your dictionary in the following section.
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Dictionary Practice
Your dictionary can help you to understand how words are pronounced.
1) Using your dictionary, find the word 'hit' and the word 'heat'.
Notice the symbol used to show the short vowel sound in 'hit' and the longer vowel sound
in 'heat'. The pronunciation of words will be shown between lines / /.
Copy the pronunciation symbols from your dictionary onto the lines below.
Your dictionary symbols
Copy the symbols from your dictionary onto the lines below.
Your dictionary symbols
Understanding Syllables
All spoken words are made with syllables.
A syllable is formed by the linking of individual sounds to form one unit of unbroken
sound within a word.
A word can contain one or more syllables. For example: a = one syllable; loud = one syllable;
a loud = two syllables
Each syllable generally contains one vowel sound but may contain several consonant sounds.
vowel
a
one syllable
SPELL
gent
a gent
one syllable
two syllables
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sound symbols:
rhyme:
Words that rhyme contain the same sound. For example, the words
time, wide, high fly and buy all contain the same sound so we say
that they rhyme. (Note: The word rhyme rhymes with the word time.)
syllables:
Spoken words are formed with syllables. A syllable is formed when individual
sounds are pronounced together to form one unit of unbroken sound
within a word. Each syllable generally contains a vowel sound but may
contain several consonant sounds.
A word may contain one or more syllables. For example: in = one syllable
into = two syllables
word stress:
In spoken words with more than one syllable, one sound is usually stronger
(spoken more clearly) than the other(s). The term, stressed syllable, refers
to the strongest (primary) sound in words of more than one syllable.
SPELL
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SPELL
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Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the vowel sound in the word fun
u
such
culture
o
some
money
ou
trouble
country
Spelling Practice
Complete the following crossword using the clues given.
All the words contain the vowel sound as in fun but are written with the letters u, o or ou.
Across Clues
1) a boy who has the same parents as you
3) people have one on each hand next to
the pointing finger
5) opposite to old
7) two together
9) you need this to buy things
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Down Clues
2) problems, difficulty
8
10
h e
5
12
14
16
9
11
18
20
13
15
17
19
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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The pretty children sit and drink milk and the busy women
visit the gym in the big pink building.
Check your answers on page 70.
Look at the different ways of spelling the vowel sound /I/. Note that the most common way is
with the letter i but there are some exceptions.
Add one word from the sentence above to each of the spelling lists below.
Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the vowel sound in the word pink
i
city
y
symbol
u & ui
business guilt
e
English
Spelling Practice
Complete the following crossword.
All the words contain the vowel sound /I/ but are written with i, y, e, u or ui.
Across Clues
1) a mix of red and white
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10
Down Clues
2) attractive to look at
8) fast
10) something that cant be explained
12) a thousand thousands
2
4
n k
3
6
8
10
9
11
12
14
13
15
16
18
17
19
21
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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11
Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the short vowel sound /e/ in the word red
e
ue
ea
red
guess
ready
a
any
Spelling Practice
Complete the following crossword.
All the words contain the same vowel sound but are written with e, ea, a or ue.
Across Clues
1) the first meal of the day
9) the boundary line which is furthest from the middle 19) to be strong and well
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12
Down Clues
2) the temperature and conditions outside
6) not ever
8
1
10
e a k
12
3
14
16
7
9
18
11
20
22
13
15
17
19
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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13
Tom lost his wallet and watch when the shop got robbed.
Check your answers on page 71.
Look at the different ways of spelling this vowel sound.
Note that the most common ways are with the letters o or a.
Add words from the sentence above to the spelling pattern lists below.
Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the short vowel sound in the word top
o
strong
long
a
want
quality
Spelling Practice
Complete the crossword below.
All the words contain the same vowel sound but are written with o, a or ow.
Across Clues
1) to continue to look at
11) choice
3) competition
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14
Down Clues
2) to clean with water
4) a performance/show
18) frequently
20) truthful
2
1
w a
c h
4
3
6
5
8
10
14
16
12
9
18
13
20
11
15
17
19
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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15
Add words from the sentence above to the spelling pattern lists below.
Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the short vowel sound // in the word pull
u
pull
push
oo
ou
foot
good
would
could
Spelling Practice
Complete the crossword below.
All the words contain the same vowel sound but are written with u, oo or ou.
Across Clues
1) a person whose job is to sell meat
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16
Down Clues
2) people read these
8) We use this word when giving advice to people. 16) a male cow
2
6
b u
c h e
3
10
5
12
14
16
11
13
15
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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17
She believes the reason we eat green cheese is easy to see, but he
feels shes deceived.
Check your answer on page 72.
Look at the different ways of spelling this vowel sound. The most common spelling is with
ea or ee but there are a few less usual ways of spelling this sound.
Add one word from the sentence above to the spelling pattern lists below.
Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the long vowel sound in the word green
*
ea
leave
reach
ee
see
teens
e
these
equal
ie*
piece
thieves
ei*
receipt
receive
y as
word ending
fully
Also pronounced as a
shorter sound in some
varieties of English.
Spelling Practice
Complete the following crossword.
All the words contain the same vowel sound but are written with ee, e, ea, ie, ei or i.
Across Clues
1) more than one person
3) you do this with your eyes
5) to take another persons property
7) trees have these
9) under something
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Down Clues
2) the opposite meaning to war
4) four periods of a year (winter, spring, summer, autumn) 14) to think something is true
6) teachers do this
p e o p
6
3
5
8
10
7
12
14
9
16
20
18
11
13
15
17
19
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the long vowel sound u: as in the word soon
oo
cool
u
rude
o
prove
ou
ew
group
flew
grew
Spelling Practice
Complete the following crossword.
All the words contain the same vowel sound but are written with oo, o, ou , ew, ui or u.
Across Clues
1) one number more than one
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20
Down Clues
2) the time from lunchtime to evening
6) correct
8) a new branch or stem on a plant
10) to get better
11
a
f
t
e
r
n
o
o
n
4
6
10
3
12
14
7
16
18
13
15
17
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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21
Read the following sentence aloud. Underline eight words with the same vowel sound.
Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the long vowel sound in the word purple
ir
bird
first
er
certain
her
or
word
worst
ur
ear
turn
nurse
learn
search
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Spelling Practice
Complete the crossword below.
All the words contain the same vowel sound but are written with ir, er, or, ur, our and ear.
Across Clues
1) the day after Wednesday
3) we use these in sentences
5) study to find new information
7) to get knowledge
9) the planet where we live
Down Clues
2) opposite meaning to late
4) a trip from one place to another place
6) past verb of hear
8) not clean
10) worried
12) to receive payment for work
6
1
T h u
s d a y
10
3
12
14
5
7
9
11
16
18
13
20
22
15
17
19
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Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the long vowel sound in the word sport
o(r)
form
ou(r)
course
a(r)
warm
* a
call
aw
law
au
caught
*Pronunciation note:
Although all the words represented in the spelling lists on this page are shown in all
dictionaries as containing the same vowel sound, some speakers of North American English
pronounce the vowel sound only before the letter r, as in words such as form, course
and warm. In words such as call, and law, these speakers pronounce the sound //.
For example, the vowel sound in the words caller and collar; cot and caught sound
very similar in the speech of these speakers.
To avoid confusion, the words chosen for the following cross-word activity, are all
pronounced with the sound / / in all varieties of English.
The spelling of the example words, in the spelling list above and the following
crossword activity, is the same for all varieties of English.
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Spelling Practice
Complete the crossword below.
All words contain the same vowel sound as in sport but are written as or, ar, our, oar, oor.
Across Clues
1) the time before twelve noon
3) past verb of wear
5) painful
7) the sound a lion makes
9) the area where tennis is played
Down Clues
1
14
9
c
o
r
n
e
r
4
8
10
3
12
7
16
18
11
13
20
15
17
19
___________________________________________________________________________
Read your sentences aloud to revise the pronunciation and spelling.
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25
Read the following sentence aloud. Underline six words with the same vowel sound.
Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the short vowel sound in the word voice
oy
employ
destroy
oi
soil
boil
Spelling Practice
Complete the crossword below.
All the words contain the same vowel sound but are written with oi or oy.
Across Clues
1) this word means containing poison
9) a loud sound
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Down Clues
2) unhappy because something you expected
did not happen
6) a male child
p o
s o n o u s
10
3
12
14
7
9
11
13
15
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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27
Read the following sentence aloud. Underline the seven words with the same vowel sound.
Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the vowel sound in the word day
a with final silent e
race
case
ay
day
always
ey
obey
ai
complain
Spelling Practice
Complete the crossword below.
All the words contain the same vowel sound as in late, but are written with a, ai, ay, ei
Across Clues
1) the fifth month of the year (use a capital letter)
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Down Clues
2) one piece of paper in a book, magazine
8) an entertaining activity or sport that people play 20) arriving after the expected time
10) this hangs from the back of an animals body
12) past verb form of come
2
1
3
p
a
g
e
4
6
8
10
5
12
14
7
11
16
18
13
15
20
17
19
21
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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29
Read the following sentence aloud. Underline the twelve words with the same vowel sound.
She likes kind bright smiles, nice white wine, lime ice-cream
and flying high in the sky.
Check your answers on page 74.
Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the short vowel sound in the word light
i
child
mind
i + silent e
time
hide
y
why
try
i + gh
fight
sigh
supplies
replies
cries
supplied
replied
cried
However, in words such as buy (where y follows a vowel) just add s as in buys.
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Spelling Practice
Complete the crossword below.
All the words contain the same vowel sound as in like but are written with the letters
i, igh, y or i + final silent e
Across Clues
1) a happy expression on the face
3) land with water on all sides
5) the amount of money you pay for something
7) the opposite meaning to wrong
9) suggestions about what someone should do
Down Clues
2) a person who flies a plane
4) something you did not expect
6) not confident when meeting people
8) to get to a place after travelling
10) putting words on to paper
(you are doing this in this exercise)
s m i
10
12
3
5
7
14
16
18
11
20
13
15
17
19
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Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the long vowel sound in the word road
o
only
won't
o + final silent e
hope
phone
ow
know
show
oa
soap
coat
Spelling Practice
Complete the crossword below.
All the words contain the same vowel sound but are spelled with o or ow.
Across Clues
1) past tense of write
3) used for smelling and breathing
5) past tense of drive
7) the month before December
9) people ski on this
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Down Clues
2) a fragrant flower
4) opposite of yes
6) opposite to under
4
8
w r
3
5
10
12
14
18
16
11
20
13
15
17
19
21
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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33
Read the following sentence aloud. Underline the eight words with the same vowel sound.
Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the vowel sound in the word house
ow
power
ou
ground
Spelling Practice
Complete the crossword below.
All the words contain the same vowel sound but are spelled with ou or ow.
Across Clues
1) meaning noisy
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Down Clues
2) to be unsure, uncertain
4) to permit something
8) sixty minutes
d
o
u
b
t
1
4
6
3
8
5
7
10
12
14
11
13
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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Each English vowel letter can be pronounced as a short sound and one or more long sounds.
Your dictionary can help you to understand how words are pronounced.
Many written English words follow spelling patterns that you can learn.
tap
kit
not
hat
us
not
cod
hop
code
hope
Note: There are several exceptions to the above pattern. For example, the vowel sound in the words
'give' /gIv/ and 'have' /hv/, though ending in e, are pronounced with a short vowel sound.
Always check your dictionary if you are unsure.
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believe
field
ie
ei
piece
thieves
receipt
receive
ceiling
deceive
Adding ing or ed
When adding ing to words with a final silent e (as with smile, hide), it is usual
to remove the final e before adding ing.
For example: smile
hide
rate (remove the final e before adding ing)
vote
please
smiling
hiding
rating
voting
pleasing
Adding es, er or ed
When adding es, er or ed to verbs with a final y, (such as supply, reply, cry),
it is usual to change the y to i before adding ed or es.
For example:
supply
reply
(change the y to i)
cry
supplied
supplies
supplier
replied
replies
replier
cried
cries
crier
Note: No change is necessary when adding ing to these verbs eg. supplying, replying, crying.
No change is necessary in words ending in y, if y is preceded by a vowel eg. stayed, buying.
Plural noun
feet
men
women
teeth
mice
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Past tense
ran
took
wrote
rose
froze
fought
For a more complete list of these verbs (which are called irregular past tense verbs) see page 96.
Note: In some cases, when a verb becomes past tense, the consonant letters also change.
Some examples are:
thought
think
catch
caught
break
broke
You can learn more about the pronunciation of English in a book and audio material:
Understanding English Pronunciation an integrated practice course
See final page for details.
SPELL
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38
SPELL
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39
Some consonant letters are used together to represent one sound. For example:
The letters th together represent the first sound in thing.
The letters sh together represent the first sound in she.
The letters ph together represent the first sound in phone.
The letters ch together represent the first sound in check.
(Note: the letters tch represent the same sound at the end of words, as in catch, match)
The letters dg together with a final e represent the last sound in edge, fridge, bridge.
The letter q is almost always followed by the letter u. For example: quick, quiet, quote.
Some consonant letters represent more than one sound. For example:
The letter c can be pronounced as the sound /k/ in cat and the sound /s/ in cent.
The letter s can be pronounced as the sound /s/ in sit and the sound /z/ in his.
The letter g can be pronounced as the sound /g/ in get and the sound /d(/ in page.
Many English words contain a group of consonant sounds following each other, as in the
word, strength. These groups of consonants, str and ngth, in the word strength, are
called consonant clusters. You will have more practice with consonant clusters on pages 54 - 58.
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40
Silent consonants
In English, many written words contain consonant letters that are not pronounced.
These letters are referred to as silent letters.
Read aloud the words in the box below or ask a fluent speaker of English to read the words.
Draw a line through the silent letter in each word.
Match each word with the appropriate meaning below.
Check the words in your dictionary if you are unsure of the pronunciation or meaning.
rhyme
often
talk
listen
foreign
island
hour
frequently
calm
column
exhausted
often*
sixty minutes
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
SPELL
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41
plumber
doubt
knock
debts
limbs
wrists
wrap
knife
wrap
__________________________
to be uncertain
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
B)
Draw a line through the silent letter in each word below then do the exercise on the next page.
climb
know
wrong
knee
lamb
comb
knot
wrote
knew
doubted
knocked
answer
write
sign
walk
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Silent consonants
C) Complete the information about silent consonants and write some examples.
Write more examples of each pattern on the lines below.
Silent b can follow
lamb
_________
_________
_____
_________
________
_________
_____
_________
_________
_________
Check your answers on page 76. Add any incorrectly written words into your spelling reference list
(page 93) - making sure you spell the words correctly in your spelling list for your future reference.
SPELL
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43
Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the consonant sound in the word full.
f
father
fill
ph
telephone
graph
gh
enough
Spelling Practice
Complete the crossword below.
All the words contain the same consonant sound /f/ but are written with f, ph or gh.
Across Clues
1) a group of words that express an idea
SPELL
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Down Clues
2) relating to the body
6) not many
8) a very thin booklet containing information
10) something to keep animals inside a field
12) not smooth
2
4
12
10
14
16
9
11
13
15
17
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the consonant sound in the word ship
sh
ship
s
sugar
ss
passion
ti
nation
Spelling Practice
Complete the crossword below.
All the words contain the same consonant sound // but are written with sh, s, ss, ti,
Across Clues
1) This makes food sweet.
SPELL
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Down Clues
2) the noun form of act
2
6
1
8
5
7
12
14
a
c
t
i
o
n
4
10
16
11
18
13
20
15
17
19
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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Spelling Lists - Ways of spelling the consonant sound in the word match
ch
teach
chair
tch
watch
catch
t
nature
adventure
Spelling Practice
Complete the crossword below.
All the words contain the same consonant sound // but are written with ch, tch, or t
Across Clues
1) This is on your face, below your mouth.
5) an exciting experience
SPELL
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Down Clues
2) all living things in the world
12
14
16
9
n
a
t
u
r
e
4
8
18
11
13
15
17
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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The following section provides practice with words written with c but pronounced /s/.
Spelling Practice
Complete the crossword below.
All the words contain the consonant sound /s/, but are written with the letter c.
Across Clues
1) a very large town
SPELL
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Down Clues
2) the last month of the year (Use a capital letter.)
4) frozen water
6) pleasant, good
8) middle
10) to move your body and feet to music
2
4
1
6
3
5
8
7
10
12
14
11
13
16
15
17
Further Practice
If you are working in a class with other students, you can take turns dictating your
sentences for other students to write. This will check your pronunciation and spelling!
Remember!
Your dictionary will show which syllable to stress, in words of more than one syllable (see page 5).
SPELL
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1) sad
1) refuse
/z/
The letter s is always pronounced /s/ at the beginning of words (except as sh)
The letter s is often pronounced /z/ in the middle or at the end of words.
If in doubt, check your dictionary.
SPELL
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The page about the gym had a general range of stages for gentlemen.
Check you answers on page 78, then do the following exercise.
Read the following clues.
Write the answers in the correct list below, depending on the pronunciation of the letter g.
Words beginning with the sound /g/
1) opposite meaning to come
2) a female child
3) something you give as a present
4) the shape of the world (like a ball)
5) you can see through this
6) the opposite meaning to bad
7) wine is made from these
1) go
1) gem
The letter g is always pronounced /g/ before another consonant sound (as in glass, green)
or before the letters a, o or u.
The letter g is sometimes pronounced /d(/ before e, y or i. If in doubt, check your dictionary.
SPELL
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no
man
However, many other English words contain a group of consonant sounds following each other,
as in the word, strict.
consonant consonant consonant
strict
vowel consonant consonant
The groups of consonants, strand ct, in the word strict, are called consonant clusters.
Words containing consonant clusters may be very challenging for some students of English to
pronounce, especially if the consonant sounds are not in their native language.
This section will provide practice in spelling and pronouncing consonant clusters.
Firstly, it is helpful to understand which combinations of letters and sounds are possible in English.
Look at the following consonant letters.
Draw a line through the letters that are never used together at the beginning of English words.
Tick 3 the consonant clusters that are used at the beginning of English words.
Match the words beginning with a consonant cluster to a picture by writing the complete word.
Two have been done as examples. When you have finished, check your answers on page 79.
3
kg
sm
tr
gl
br
st
fl
tg
cl
dm
smile
____
_______
____
_____
_____
______
In the following section, words with three consonants at the beginning of words will be examined.
SPELL
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fs
w
y
x
z
s
p
r
a
y
s
v
n
p
s
b
s
t
s
t
r
c
r
s
t
r
i
p
x
p
t
r
a
y
s
w
r
r
e
s
s
t
s
i
i
t
t
g
r
t
n
a
r
e
i
o
a
g
l
m
n g k
c h r
r u g
w m k
o k e
r o l
k l e
h
l
z
w
p
g
l
h
l
x
w
s
c
r
e
e
n
b
s
p
s
c
r
e
w
q
w
r
p
r
c
r
a
m
s
t
z
x
r
i
scr
str
straight
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
t
y
s
x
t
l
p
s
v
s
scrub
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
r
a
p
s
t
r
i
k
e
n
e
t
e
n
r
v
t
l
a
g
a
c
h
g
i
y
f
m
d
v
m
h
v
s
c
r
u
b
w
g
b
o
l
s
t
r
e
e
t
x
spr
.
sprinkle
_________
_________
_________
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55
and Down
w i
w l
s
v k
v
d
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
SPELL
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and Down
There are fourteen words altogether. (Note: two words have a silent final e).
When you have found the fourteen words, write each one next to the appropriate clue below.
w o
h o n e
n s
x t
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
8) the front of the body below the neck, above the waist
________________
________________
10) to try some food to see if you like it (this word has a final silent e)
________________
________________
________________
________________
___________________
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and Down
There are fifteen different words. One word is listed twice can you find which one it is?
r
f
e
r
s
i
b
p
e
l
o
n
b
a
n
d
l
a
n
d
s
i
n
k
t
h
a
n
k
t
h
a
n
k
r
i
n
d
e
n
d
n
k
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
12) to tell someone you are grateful for something they have done
________________
Read your answers aloud to revise the pronunciation of words ending in nd and nk.
SPELL
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Part Four
Spelling in context
In this section you will:
learn about words that have the same sound but a different spelling pattern
see how different spelling can indicate different meaning
see how context can affect which spelling should be used
use your dictionary to learn which word to use in a particular context
proofread and correct written texts.
SPELL
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1) Homophones are words that sound the same but have a different spelling pattern.
The pairs of words given in the following exercises sometimes cause spelling errors as they
contain the same vowel sound but the different spelling indicates a different meaning.
Choose the appropriate word (from the choice of two given for each exercise) and complete the
sentences below. Use your dictionary if necessary. You can check your answers on page 81.
right/write
1) Please _______ your name in the _______ side of the page.
wait/weight
2) Well have to __________for the trolley to help us lift such a heavy __________.
weather/whether
3) Theyre not sure _____________ the ___________ will improve by tomorrow morning.
road/rode
4) They ________the tired horses along the dusty __________.
serial/cereal
5) I had a late breakfast of cooked _________ and watched the exciting _________ on TV.
recent/resent
6) I ___________a copy of the most ____________ magazine as they said the previous copy
didnt arrive.
principal/principle
7) The __________ of the school said that the most important __________ to remember was
that, Honesty is the best policy.
presents/presence
8) The ___________ of the police ensured that the stolen ___________ were returned to the
correct address.
sight/site
9) The building ________ was an ugly ________ for the tourists.
past/passed
10) I am so happy hes finally _________ his driving test. Hes done so much study and practice
in the ___________few months.
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2) Homophones are words that sound the same but have a different spelling pattern.
The pairs of words given in the following exercises sometimes cause spelling errors as they
contain the same vowel sound but the different spelling indicates a different meaning.
Choose the appropriate word (from the choice of two given for each exercise) and complete the
sentences below. Use your dictionary if necessary. You can check your answers on page 82.
berry/bury
1) When planting young _______ plants, make sure you _______ the roots to the correct depth.
aloud/allowed
2) The sign says the audience isnt ________ to sing ________as they watch the musical concert.
through/threw
3) The children __________ the ball _________ the hole in the fence.
eight/ate
4) We ________ a large meal at _________ o clock last night.
border/boarder
5) He is a _____________ at an excellent school near the northern ___________ of the country.
bare/bear
6) I cant ________ to have my head ________ during the heat of summer I must wear a hat.
reel/real
7) The young boy wants a ______fishing line and ______this summer, rather than the fishing
net he used last summer.
tied/tide
8) He ______ the little boat to the wooden post so it wouldnt float away with the strong _______.
sure/shore
9) We are ________ we saw a large crocodile on the ________ of the lake.
meat/meet
10) Ill have to_________ you after Ive bought the ________ for dinner.
SPELL
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3) Homophones are words that sound the same but have a different spelling pattern.
The pairs of words given in the following exercises sometimes cause spelling errors as they
contain the same vowel sound but the different spelling indicates a different meaning.
Choose the appropriate word (from the choice of two given for each exercise) and complete the
sentences below. Use your dictionary if necessary. You can check your answers on page 82.
guest/guessed
1) Have you ___________ who the special __________ at tonights concert is going to be?
peace/piece
2) You wont have any _________ until you give him another _________ of the cake.
paw/poor/pour
3) _______ some warm water over the ________ injured dogs _______.
creek/creak
4) We could hear the tree branches ________ as we walked along the side of the _________.
course/coarse
5) They are renewing the ________ surface of the golf ________ car park to make it smoother.
break/brake
6) Did you _________ the glass of your rear ________ lights when you had the car accident?
ceiling/sealing
7) My husband is __________ the cracks in the ___________ before he paints it again.
whole/hole
8) He didnt tell me I had been walking around the _______ day with a _______ in my trousers.
knew/new
9) As soon as I saw the _______ dress, I _______ I had to buy it.
plain/plane
10) Fortunately, the ________ made an emergency landing on the flat, dusty _________.
SPELL
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4) Homophones are words that sound the same but have a different spelling pattern.
The pairs of words given in the following exercises sometimes cause spelling errors as they
contain the same vowel sound but the different spelling indicates a different meaning.
Choose the appropriate word (from the choice of two given for each exercise) and complete the
sentences below. Use your dictionary if necessary. You can check your answers on page 82.
rows/rose
1) The _______, being a very bright flower, looks best when planted in straight ________.
steel/steal
2) The ________ bars were tied together so that nobody could _________ them.
stares/stairs
3) Have you noticed how everyone _______ at her as she walks down the _______.
stationary/stationery
4) The ____________ bus blocked the sign above the entrance to the _____________ store.
scent/sent
5) I _______ my friend a card and a bottle of sweet smelling ________ to make her feel better.
seen/scene
6) The accident _______ was the most terrible thing I had ever _______.
to/too/two
7) This box is _____ heavy for _____ people _____ carry well need at least three people.
waist/waste
8) I dont like to ________ delicious food but I cant eat another thing my _______ is getting
too big!
blue/blew
9) The hat suddenly ______ off her head in the strong wind and floated across the _______ water.
*wear/were
10) We _______ going to ________ the same clothes to the party but weve changed our minds.
*The words were and wear are pronounced a little differently but the spelling of these words is often confused.
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The dog has eaten its dinner and now it's sitting quietly in the corner.
(its shows possession; it's = it is)
We were late for class yesterday, but we're going to make sure we're early in future.
(were is a past plural verb; we're = we are - Note: were is sometimes pronounced /wI/).
His mother said he's very lazy. (his shows possession; he's = he is)
Note: 'his' is pronounced with a short vowel /hIz/; he's is pronounced with a long vowel
sound/hi:z/, however the correct usage of these words is often confused.
Practice
Complete the sentences below by choosing the correct word from the box and writing it in the
appropriate space (using a capital letter where necessary). The underlined pronoun in each
sentence will give you a clue about which words to use. You can check your answers on page 83.
their
they're
were
we're
he's
his
you're
your
it's
its
1) ______ camera was stolen while he was overseas last week, and ______ still angry about it.
2) _______very happy with the results of our business trip. We visited over ten companies
while we _________ overseas.
3) _________ much taller than ________ brother but he's older than you, isn't he?
4) We have a new cat and _____ sitting on the mat. _____ name is Kitty and it eats a lot.
5) _______ daughter has just graduated with excellent results, so ________
very proud and happy. Theyve just been to the graduation ceremony.
SPELL
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SPELL
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Sport
From the earliest recorded history through to modern times, sporting events have all ways bean
popular. Sum of the earliest known sports are still played today, but many of the details about
how sport is played have changed. Four example, in the past women wear not aloud to play
some types of sport. Also, some types of sport where only played by wealthy people.
In our modern times, sport can be enjoyed by all most everyone in society, weather they are
rich or pour. Not everyone actually plays sport; however, many people who cant play, enjoy
watching other people compete in diffrent types of sport. Some people prefer indoor games
such as table tennis or darts. Some prefer games such as tennis or squash that are played on a
caught. Other people enjoy very active sports such as soccer or hockey.
For many people, sport is their mane form of entertainment and relaxation. On the other hand,
there are people who are not interested in sport of any type and think that sport is a complete
waist of time. What do you think about sport?
Check your answers on page 84.
SPELL
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SPELL
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Syllables - Revision
Silent syllables
Read the sentences aloud, making sure the underlined word is spoken at normal speed (or ask
a fluent speaker of English to read the sentences).
Decide which part of the underlined word is not pronounced.
Put a bracket ( ) around the part that is not pronounced. The first one has been done as an example.
Check your dictionary if you are unsure. Many dictionaries will show the unpronounced
sound in brackets. You can also check the answers on page 85.
7) Ive seen that movie several times. 14) The average family watches too much television
A final note:
Remember! Many English words can be divided into syllables to help you remember the spelling
pattern. However, as you have seen from the exercises in this book, there are some words that
contain silent letters, silent syllables or dont fit into a spelling pattern.
For this reason, spelling practice should involve both your eyes and your ears.
Learning the spelling and pronunciation of new words should include reading, listening, writing
and speaking the words so that you see the connection between the written and spoken forms.
Develop the habit of checking words in your dictionary whenever you are unsure of a word!
Best wishes in your future learning experiences!
SPELL
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Part 5 - Answers
Introduction to the spelling and pronunciation of English - Revision
1) How many letters are there in written English?
2) How many sounds are used in spoken English?
3) What do dictionaries and pronunciation text books
use to explain the sounds of English letters and words?
26
more than 40
symbols
w
s
o
t
1 b r o t h e r
3 t
u
r
o
u
d
5 y o u
y 14
b
16
o u p l e
r 9 m o n
o
o
e
r r y 18 13 m u s t
c
g 15 h u n
e
17 e n o u g h
m
r
e
2
12
c
o
h
u
11
n
t
r
u n n y
7
19
h
10
h u m b
u
n
n g
s
r
e y
20
u
n
d r e d
e
r
17 Across Note: words with gh as in the word enough (pronounced /f/) are practiced in the Consonant section.
s
i
x
8
10
11
16
19
b
b u
i
l
d
m
g y
s
15 t
e
r
s y
21
q
l
9 b u i
m 12
i
m 13 c h i
h i n k
l
18
l
r 17
i
i
o
c
i n i s h
p i n k
i n g e r
6
5 e n g l
w
t
l
i
t
t l e
7
n
y
d i n g
e
14
l d r e n
i
p
s i m p l e
1
s h
Note: The word English will always begin with a capital letter when written.
SPELL
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70
Answers
Ten guests had many suggestions for better health, wealth and less stress.
2
8
b
r
e
a
d
15
w
10
12
r e a k f a s t 3
a
e
w
a t h
a 7 h e a
h
t
n
g e
h
t
r 18
e
11 y e
r
r 20
22
13 m e s s e n g e
a
n
u
e a d y
d
e 17
s
t h
19 h e a l
b
n
r e m e m b e
d 14
v
16
d
e
s
e
x
a
r
c
i
s t e r d a y
l
r
l
e
s e n t
t
y
w a
a
e s t
h
1
14
w a
h
w a s
t
9
13
16
l
o
s
t
19
c h
3 c o n t
o
n
6*
5 c h o c o l a t e
8
e
o
q
10
12
r
s
t
o
p
h
u
7
s
r
o
e t
a
i o n
18
11 o p t
15
m
t
o
p
t
20
i
h
f
i
s
o
t
17 n o t
k n o w l e d g e
y
n
e
s
t
SPELL
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71
Answers
The cook book says we should put a full spoon of sugar in the cookies.
The word spoon contains the longer vowel sound /u: / and so is pronounced differently to the underlined words.
2
3
5
p u
u
t o
s h
h
o k 12
7
u
f
l
o
d 14 o
9
11 s t o o
u
13 g o o d
a
e r
16
15
b
u
l
u l
b u
o
o
10
c o o k
o
s
u
l o o k
d
1
c h e
o
o
d
p e o p
s
e
6
e
5 s t e a
a
e
c
8
s 7 l e a v e
o
e
c
n e a t h
16
s
s
t
20
t
e
e
t
h
13
f
a
e
s 17 m
a l
y
e
4
12
14
15
s
e
a
t
19
b e
e
l
h i e
e
e v e
e
9
l
10
r
e
c
18
11 p i e c e
o
i
l
v
a c h i n e
c
e
11
a
t
6
f
1 t w o
3
t
r
e
u
14
r e m o v e
j
n
7 s u i
o
i
16
18
o u p
g
c
n
o 13 r u l e
o
e
15
17 f l e w
SPELL
10
s o
h
o
o
t
i o n
m
12
a
p
p
r
p
o
9 p r o v e
o
e
v
u d e
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72
Answers
Thirty girls in purple skirts will return to work early next term.
2
7
11
l
r
16
13
s
i
r
19
b u
e
a
6
1 T h u r s
l
e
10
n
a
y 5
e a r n
r
d
v e
o
u 18
20
s t
15 w
u
o
17 r e t u r
k
r n
4
8
d a y 3
i
12
r e s e
t
a
y
r
n
j
w o r d s
u
14
a r c h
n
e
t h
9 e a r
y
22
s
h
i
r
t
c
8
1 m o r n i n g
r
o
12
n 5 s o r e
f 7
14
f
e
l
t
16
c o u r t
18 h 11 s c o r
u
s
h
o
t
o
r
13 r e p o r
o
r
20
w
a
r
n
15
17 t o r e
a
m
19 d o o r
SPELL
f
10
o
3 w o
u
a
r o a r
t
m
e
e
n
b
r e
f
o
r
e
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73
Answers
The boys avoided being noisy with their toys but it spoilt their enjoyment.
2
d
6
b
i
i s o n o u s
y
a
10
3 p o i n t
p
o i l
12
14
a v o i d
e
o
i
o
l
7 n o i s e
o i l
j
n
e
c
o
t
11 t o y
13 e m p l o y m e n t
d
4
1
8
c
o
i 5
n
s p
s
p o
i
l
17
p
4
c
1 M a y
6
p
g
o
8
10
3 e i g h t
5 b l a m e
p
a
a
a 14
12
c 7 m a i n
t
l
a
9 w a v e 11 l a k e
i
m
16
18 m
13 m a d e
15 r e m a i n
g
a
20
w a k e
l
d
s
t
a
t
i o n
19
t
o
21 s a v e
17
p
4
i
l e
6
8
1 s m i
u
i s l a n d
l
r
o 5 p r i c e
h
y 7 r i g h t
p
i
r
14
16
18
i g h t n
9 a d v i c e
11 l
l
e
y
s
i
20
i
13 r e v i s e
15 m i
c
s k y
s
e
e
e
19 f
SPELL
10
12
w
d
r
e
i
l
t
i
i n g
n
h
g h t
e
i n d
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74
Answers
Joan wrote a note that told of snow on most of the road that followed the coast.
2
13
b
r
7 N o
k
14 e
9 s n
l
l o w
w
19
g r
t e
1 w r o
4 6 o
n
o s e
3
5 d r o v e
e
10
v e m b e r
12
o
b
a
o
18
16
o w 11 t e l e p h o n e
i
o
u
20
n
s 15 m o s t
d
17 w h o l e
l
o
o w 21 c o l d
Now we can count a thousand brown cows on the mountains to the south of the town.
2
o u d
o
4
6
a 3 f o u n d
l
o
b
l
u
t
s
o
u
n
d
5
w
t
o w n
a
i 12
10
14
o u t a i n s
c
o
o
o
w
u
u
o w e l s
t
n
l
s
h
o
u
t
13
1
h
o
u
r
11
frequently
sixty minutes
land surrounded by water
peaceful and quiet
words containing the same sounds
to hear and give attention when someone speaks
to speak
to be very tired and without energy
from another country or another place
a strong, tall piece of stone or wood
used to support a building
SPELL
often*
hour
island
calm
rhyme
listen
talk
exhausted
foreign
column
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75
wrap
plumber
doubt
wrists
knock
debts
knife
limbs
B)
climb
comb
knocked
know
knot
answer
wrong
wrote
write
knee
knew
sign
lamb
doubted
walk
C)
Silent b can follow
climb
comb
lamb
knife
know
knock
write
wrists
wrong
D)
SPELL
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76
Answers
t 3 f e e t
p
e
e
l
5 f a m i
l o w
m
7 f o l
16
e
e
f
p
n
o g r a p h
9 p h o t
r c e
h
e
l
13 l
e
o
e
e
t
15 f a n
17 e l e p h a n t
10
14
11
e
n
o
u
g
h
p h r
h
y
s
i
c
a u g
l
12
r
o
u
g
h
s
p
e
i c
i
c a
l
5
14
11
19
c o m m u n i
p
t
20
i
d
o
i
17 d
i n i s h
h
s u g a r
4
c
8
10
3 s u r e
r o n u n c i a t i o n
h
o
i
a
e
i o u s
n
o
t
l
12
n 9 i n i t i a l
16
t i o n
e
s
o
s
s
c
s
h
r
i
n
k
h
18
13
f
t
u
i
i
i 15 e x p r e s s i o n
c u s s i o n
e
h
n
s
1
c h
f u r
m
u
5 a d v e n t u r
t
u
r
18 c
11 c h a i r
e
a
i t c h e n
c
c h i l d
10
12
p
w h i c
a
c
t
t
c
u 15
h
r
e
16
9
14
c
h
e
e
k
s
17
SPELL
n
e
n
a
t u
u
r
e
s
8
r e
t
a
e
r
a
7 c h e c k
h
h
13 c h e a p
r
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77
Answers
The city celebrated twice in December with an exciting circus, and excellent dancing and racing.
The second c in circus is pronounced /k/
2
15
D 1
e
m
e
d
i
c i
3
e
5 m i
b
8*
7 d e c i d e d
e
r
n
12
14 9
o
11 t w i c e
e
f
er
13
r i
f
16 r e
i
s
t
c e l e b r a t
e
i
i
c
17 o n c
e
i
6 c
n e
i
c e
e
10
d
a c e
n
c
c e
f
e
e
*Note: The answer to 8 Down can be center (North American English spelling) or centre (British English spelling).
Consonant letter s
His busy business is always noisy.
Words with the letter s pronounced as sound /s/
1) sad
2) song
3) sand
4) sat
5) six
6) second
7) stop
1) refuse
2) was
3) his
4) busy
5) hers
6) does
7) easy
Consonant letter g
In the following words, the letter g is pronounced with the sound /d(/.
The page about the gym had a general range of stages for gentlemen.
Words beginning with the letter g
pronounced as sound /g/
1) go
2) girl
3) gift
4) globe
5) glass
6) good
7) grapes
1) gem
2) general
3) large
4) gym
5) strange
6) change
7) age
SPELL
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78
sm
tr
gl
smile
br
st
glasses
Answers
3
fl
tg
cl
star
tree
broom
dm
fs
clock
flower
Words
Across
w
y
x
z
s
p
r
a
y
s
v
n
p
s
t
r
i
p
x
p
s
b
s
t
r
a
y
s
w
r
t
s
t
r
e
s
s
t
s
i
r
c
r
i
t
t
g
r
t
n
a
r
e
n
c
r
w
o
r
k
i
o
a
g
h
u
m
k
o
l
g
l
m
k
r
g
k
e
l
e
h
l
z
w
p
g
l
h
l
x
t
y
s
x
t
l
p
s
v
s
w
s
c
r
e
e
n
b
s
p
s
c
r
e
w
q
w
r
p
r
c
r
a
m
s
t
z
x
r
i
r
a
p
s
t
r
i
k
e
n
e
t
e
n
r
v
t
l
a
g
a
c
h
g
i
y
f
m
d
v
m
h
v
s
c
r
u
b
w
g
b
o
l
s
t
r
e
e
t
x
There are 24 words altogether beginning with either str, scr or spr
A dotted line
appears where words intersect across and down.
str
scr
spr
straight
strict
scrub
sprinkle
stream
string
scrape
spread
stray
strip
scratch
spring
street
strike
scream
spray
stress
stroke
screen
stretch
stroll
screw
struggle
scroll
SPELL
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79
d
w
s h y
f i e l
q k w l
s o l d
b
u
i
l
d
v
a
q
l
k
k
t
c j
o l
p l n
l d
f
d
Answers
g p s
o l d
l n
d
1) This means the opposite to young
old
bald
build
sold
held
field
cold
told
wild
gold
best
guest
test
past
worst
i
g
c h
w o r
p a s t
h o n e s t
i n s i s t
x t a s t e
n
u
e
s
b u r s t
t e r e s t
e s t
s t
t
burst
interest
8) the front of the body below the neck, above the waist
chest
insist
taste*
cost
honest
pest
waste*
Note: taste and waste end in silent e letters the e is not pronounced.
SPELL
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80
t
h
s a
l i n
b a n k
b l a n k
r e s p o n d
f r i e n d
t
h
a
n
k
r e n d
i n k
n d
d
trend
think
hand
end
rind
sand
thank
sink
link
bank
blank
respond
friend
land
band
81
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Homophones (4)
1) The rose, being a very bright flower, looks best when its planted in straight rows.
2) The steel bars were tied together so that nobody could steal them.
3) Have you noticed how everyone stares at her as she walks down the stairs.
4) The stationary bus blocked the sign above the entrance to the stationery store.
5) I sent my friend a card and a bottle of sweet smelling scent to make her feel better.
6) The accident scene was the most terrible thing I had ever seen.
7) This box is too heavy for two people to carry well need at least three people.
8) I dont like to waste delicious food but I cant eat another thing my waist is getting too big!
9) The hat suddenly blew off her head in the strong wind and floated across the blue water.
10) We were going to wear the same clothes to the party but weve changed our minds.
Note: The words were and wear are pronounced a little differently but the spelling of these words is often confused.
SPELL
82
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Answers
His camera was stolen while he was overseas last week, and hes still angry about it.
2) Were very happy with the results of our business trip. We visited over ten companies
while we were overseas.
3) Youre much taller than your brother but he's older than you, isn't he?
4) We have a new cat and its sitting on the mat. Its name is Kitty and it eats a lot.
5) Their daughter has just graduated with excellent results, so theyre very proud and
happy. Theyve just been to the graduation ceremony.
SPELL
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83
Answers
Sport
From the earliest recorded history through to modern times, sporting events have always been
popular. Some of the earliest known sports are still played today, but many of the details
about how sport is played have changed. For example, in the past women were not allowed
to play some types of sport. Also, some types of sport were only played by wealthy people.
In our modern times, sport can be enjoyed by almost everyone in society, whether they are
rich or poor. Not everyone actually plays sport; however, many people who cant play, enjoy
watching other people compete in different types of sport. Some people prefer indoor games
such as table tennis or darts. Some prefer games such as tennis or squash that are played on a
court. Other people enjoy very active sports such as soccer or hockey.
For many people, sport is their main form of entertainment and relaxation. On the other hand,
there are people who are not interested in sport of any type and think that sport is a complete
waste of time. What do you think about sport?
SPELL
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84
Answers
Silent syllables
When spoken at normal conversational speed, the syllables in brackets are often deleted in the
following words.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
int(e)resting
ev(e)ry
diff(e)rent
fam(i)ly
choc(o)late
bus(i)ness
sev(e)ral
8) cam(e)ra
9) ref(e)rence
10) sep(a)rate
11) comf(or)table
12) fact(o)ry
13) temp(e)rature
14) av(e)rage
Note: The final e on chocolate, reference, separate, comfortable, temperature, average are always silent.
SPELL
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85
ou
such
culture
hungry
butter
some
money
loves
honey
trouble
country
young
y
big
pink
symbol
gym
ui
business guilt
busy
building
e
English
pretty
Note: The letter o in the word women is an exceptional way of spelling the sound /I/.
SPELL
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86
ue
red
ten
better
less
stress
guess
guests
ea
ready
health
wealth
any
many
strong
long
lost
shop
got
robbed
want
quality
wallet
watch
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87
oo
pull
push
put
full
sugar
ou
foot
good
cook
book
cookie
would
could
should
ea
leave
reach
reason
easy
ee
ie*
see
teens
green
cheese
feels
these
equal
she
he
piece
thieves
believes
ei*
receipt
receive
deceived
y as word ending
fully
Also pronounced as
a shorter sound in
some varieties of
English.
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88
ou
ew
cool
school
rooms
soon
rude
rules
computers
prove
moving
approved
group
through
flew
grew
e(r)
o(r)
u(r)
ea(r)
bird
first
thirty
girls
skirts
certain
her
term
word
worst
work
turn
nurse
purple
learn
search
early
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89
ou(r)
ar
form
morning
course
court
warm
warned
towards
* a
aw
call
law
au
caught
oi
employ
destroy
boy
toys
enjoyment
soil
boil
avoided
noisy
spoilt
www.boyereducation.com.au
90
ay
day
always
stayed
days
ey
obey
they
ai
main
complain
waited
train
i + silent e
i + gh
child
mind
kind
time
hide
like
smile
nice
white
wine
lime
why
try
flying
sky
fight
sigh
bright
high
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91
o + silent e
only
won't
told
most
hope
phone
wrote
note
ow
oa
know
show
snow
followed
soap
coat
road
coast
ou
ground
count
thousand
mountains
south
SPELL
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92
silent k
silent h
silent g
silent b
silent l
write
knee
hour
sign
climb
walk
Consonant sounds with more than one spelling pattern are included
in the following lists
Ways of spelling the consonant sound in the word funny, phone, laugh.
Write your dictionary symbol for this sound here ________
f
father
fill
found
fixing
ph
telephone
graph
elephant
gh
enough
laughed
cough
SPELL
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93
s
sugar
sure
ss
passion
discussion
ti
nation
station
tch
watch
catch
butcher
kitchen
t
nature
adventure
future
SPELL
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94
SPELL
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95
base verb
past simple past participle
for the present perfect
infinitive
tense use with have/has
present simple
be/am/is/are
beat
become
begin
bend
bite
blow
break
bring
build
burn
buy
catch
choose
come
dig
do
draw
drink
drive
eat
fall
feed
feel
fight
find
fly
forget
forgive
get
give
go
grow
have
hear
hide
hold
keep
know
lay
lead
leave
lend
light
lose
make
mean
meet
pay
read /ri:d/
ride
ring
rise
run
say
see
sell
send
show
sing
sit
sleep
speak
spell
spend
spring
stand
steal
sting
swear
swim
swing
take
teach
tear /t)r/
tell
think
throw
understand
wake
wear
win
write
was/were
beat
became
began
bent
bit
blew
broke
brought
built
burnt/burned
bought
caught
chose
came
dug
did
drew
drank
drove
ate
fell
fed
felt
fought
found
flew
forgot
forgave
got
gave
went
grew
had
heard
hid
held
kept
knew
laid
led
left
been
beaten
become
begun
bent
bitten
blown
broken
brought
built
burnt/burned
bought
caught
chosen
come
dug
done
drawn
drunk
driven
eaten
fallen
fed
felt
fought
found
flown
forgotten
forgiven
got/gotten
given
gone
grown
had
heard
hidden
held
kept
known
laid
led
left
SPELL
lent
lit
lost
made
meant
met
paid
read /red/
rode
rang
rose
ran
said
saw
sold
sent
showed
sang
sat
slept
spoke
spelt
spent
sprang
stood
stole
stung
swore
swam
swung
took
taught
tore
told
thought
threw
understood
woke
wore
won
wrote
lent
lit
lost
made
meant
met
paid
read /red/
ridden
rung
risen
run
said
seen
sold
sent
shown
sung
sat
slept
spoken
spelt
spent
sprung
stood
stolen
stung
sworn
swum
swung
taken
taught
torn
told
thought
thrown
understood
woken
worn
won
written
96
British English
American English
re ending
er ending
centre
center
litre
liter
metre
meter
theatre
theater
single 1
double ll
enrol
enroll
fulfil
fulfill
our
or
colour
color
favourite
favorite
flavour
flavor
harbour
harbor
honour
honor
labour
labor
neighbour
neighbor
Other differences
licence (noun)
practise (verb)
aluminium
aluminum
catalogue
catalog
cheque
check
programme
program
tyre
tire
SPELL
97
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Below each sound symbol are examples of words containing the sound.
Vowel sounds
(short sound)
(long sound)
*dark stars
(long sound)
*purple
(short sound)
hot spots
red head
(short sound)
good book
u:
(short sound)
think pink
i:
(long sound)
*four more
blue moon
(short sound)
(unstressed sound)
other brother
fun run
(long sound)
(long sound)
green trees
As the pronunciation of some English vowel sounds varies across and within countries, the example words are intended as a general guide.
grey day
(also )
fair hair
Consonant sounds
boy voice
(also
yellow gold
bright lime
o)
clear beer
brown mouse
pet pig
big bag
tell two
dirty dog
t
Chinese child
f
fill four
s
sad song
m
milk man
l
little line
d(
keep cool
just joking
very vivid
think thin
short sheep
zig-zag
long song
no never
r
raw rice
g
good girl
other brother
(
measure Asia
h
hot hill
wet winter
yes you
*Note: In some varieties of English, the letter 'r' is clearly pronounced wherever it occurs in words, (eg. star, purple, four), however
in some varieties of English, r is only pronounced when it is followed by a vowel sound.
Boyer Educational Resources, 2003
98