Mastering the Silent 'e' in English Pronunciation

Bill explains the concept of silent 'e' in English, which is a letter that is not pronounced but changes the vowel sound in a word. He provides examples with different vowels, showing how the silent 'e' transforms short vowel sounds into long ones, such as 'plan' to 'plane' and 'bit' to 'bite'. The video aims to help learners understand and recognize the role of silent 'e' in altering vowel sounds.

What is a silent letter?

• A letter that is only used in spoken language.

• A letter that is written but not pronounced.

• A letter that is always pronounced.

• A letter that changes the meaning of a word.

What does the silent 'e' do to the vowel sound in a word?

• It doubles the vowel sound.

• It removes the vowel sound.

• It makes the vowel sound longer.

• It makes the vowel sound shorter.

What is the long vowel sound in the word 'plane'?

• /ʌ/

• /eɪ/

• /æ/

• /ɪ/

How does the word 'Tim' change when a silent 'e' is added?

• It becomes 'tume' with a long 'u' sound.

• It becomes 'time' with a long 'i' sound.

• It becomes 'tame' with a long 'a' sound.

• It becomes 'tome' with a long 'o' sound.

What is the long vowel sound in the word 'cape'?

• /eɪ/

• /ʌ/

• /æ/

• /ɪ/

What is the long vowel sound in the word 'hope'?

• /oʊ/

• /ɪ/

• /æ/

• /eɪ/

What is the long vowel sound in the word 'tube'?

• /uː/

• /ɪ/

• /eɪ/

• /æ/

How does the word 'bit' change when a silent 'e' is added?

• It becomes 'bate' with a long 'a' sound.

• It becomes 'bote' with a long 'o' sound.

• It becomes 'bite' with a long 'i' sound.

• It becomes 'bute' with a long 'u' sound.

What is the long vowel sound in the word 'cute'?

• /eɪ/

• /ɪ/

• /æ/

• /uː/

What is the long vowel sound in the word 'ripe'?

• /æ/

• /ʌ/

• /ɪ/

• /eɪ/