Silent Letters
Letters we write but never say
A ready-to-teach B1+/B2 pronunciation lesson on silent letters: the letters we write but never say.
Students say knife, comb, listen and hour and spot the silent letter, then learn the two kinds: pattern-based (kn-, wr-, -mb, -stle) and word-specific (island, Wednesday, debt). Six common patterns, a slide on how adding letters can bring a silent letter back to life (comb, combine) and a word bank support three exercises: cross out the silent letter, read words to a partner who writes it down, and choose the silent letter in context. Students then describe their typical day using the target words.
What's inside
- 15 colourful slides to project, with answer keys and feedback straight after each exercise
- Six silent-letter patterns, word-specific exceptions and a word bank
- Three exercises: cross it out, listen for it, choose it in context
- Pair speaking task, wrap-up and 5-minute homework
Level: B1+ / B2 · Time: 45–60 minutes · Prep: none. Project and teach; you model the sounds yourself, so no audio is needed.
Please note: this is a slides-only lesson, without a separate printable worksheet. It is also part of the Pronunciation Toolkit bundle of 16 lessons.
Licensed to the purchaser for classroom use. Please do not share or resell.
