It is important to separate the ideas of letters and sounds in your mind. Remember we pronounce words using sounds rather than the names of letters.
When speaking English, you may find certain sounds challenging. If you are able to identify problematic sounds, then you will be able to change them more easily and effectively.
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In the following table, the words are divided into the written letters and then into the number of pronounced sounds. Notice how one letter corresponds to one sound in these particular words.
Pronounce the letters and then the sounds for he had a drink. Word Letters Number of Sounds he
h e 1 2
had
h a d 1 2 3
a a 1
drink d r i n k 1 2 3 4 5
Listen to the letters and sounds in he had a drink
However, in other words the number of letters is not the same as the number of sounds. Notice how two letters can correspond to one sound. Pronounce the letters and then the sounds for each word.
Letters c o f Sounds 1 2 3
Listen to the letters and sounds in coffee and tea
Sometimes one letter can correspond to two sounds. In the word six there are three letters and four sounds. What are the four sounds?
Letters s i Listen for Answer Now go to the next page x Sounds 1 2 3 4
