Some written letters are not pronounced

1 · Learn

In words such as doubt, island and lamb, a written letter is not pronounced in the usual pronunciation. Listening alone may not reveal the spelling. Look carefully, say the word naturally and practise recalling its complete written form.

Word history and related words can sometimes help, but not every silent letter has a simple modern rule. Keep a personal checked list and test recall later rather than copying the same word without attention.

2 · Worked example

I notice the b in doubt and check it in a dictionary. I write a meaningful sentence, cover the model and reconstruct the spelling before comparing.

3 · Your turn

Which written letter is silent in lamb? Write a sentence using doubt with its full spelling.

4 · Apply your learning

Practise three checked silent-letter words with spaced recall and explain what you need to remember.