• IELTS
Words and Pronunciation: Silent letters in IELTS Exam
3676 Reads
3 min Read
The 'silent' letters in English are a result of the invasion by French and Latin and standardization of sounds, making them difficult to pronounce on the IELTS test. The best way to prepare for the IELTS exam is to listen to the pronunciation of each word carefully and memorize and master these silent letters. Examples include the silent K, which is pronounced with a long 'I' vowel sound, and the silent P, which is pronounced with a short vowel sound.
Table of Contents
In English language one rarely sounds out all the letters that are seen in a word. There are certain words in the English language, written in a way which seems different from their sound. The ‘silent’ letters are a result of various developments that the English language has gone through. The invasion by French and Latin language and standardization of sounds in the English Language has refined and softened English. It leads to silent letters in particular words. The ‘silent word’ is a baffling mystery for the IELTS test takers which thwarts them from achieving great scores.
Let us take a look at some common words with silent letters, and how to pronounce them:
The silent K
The letter K is a hard sounding letter. When the letter ‘K’ precedes the letter ‘N’ at the start of the word, it becomes silent. For example
• Knife — is pronounced with a long ‘I’ vowel sound, as in “life.”
• Knit — is pronounced with a short vowel sound, as in “lit.”
• ‘Know’ = noh. ‘Now’ = naow.
Knock, knack, knapsack, knickers, knuckle are some of the words in which you can witness the silent K at the beginning and hard K sound at the end of the word.
Also read: IELTS Eligibility
The silent P
This is one of the most exciting letters. Usually, the letter P makes a popping sound at the front of our mouth. It is traditionally silenced when it precedes the letter ‘S’. For example:
1. Psychology: pronounced as ‘Sychology’
2. Psychiatry: pronounced as ‘Sychiatry’ or so.
3. The letter P in words Pneumonia and receipt, is also silent.
The silent "T"
Sound of the letter ‘T’ is one of the most recognisable and robust sounds in the English language, but when it is used in the middle of L-I-S-T-E-N, it disappears. The T letter becomes slightly shorter than the letter ‘S’. Listen becomes lissen, whistle become Whissle.
There are a few more words where T is silent: Hustle, Jostle, Apostle, Bristle, and wrestle.
“Ough” Words:
Let us look at the words:
1. Though: The OUGH in though is pronounced like an ‘oh’ sound, just like you are saying THROW.
2. Through: The OUGH in through is pronounced with an -ew sound, just like you say ‘threw.’
The best way to get through these words is repetition. It is critical to memorize and master these silent letters. The best way to prepare for the IELTS exam is to listen to the pronunciation of each word very carefully. You will be able to identify which letter will remain silent, and which letter is prominent.
Canamprep experts offer best IELTS Exam Training. Experts follow a student-centric approach to help students achieve outstanding scores with the help of professionally developed material and strategic training at state of the art classrooms. Get registered with Canamprep, the top IELTS institute and improve your capabilities.
Also read: IELTS Exam type
FAQ
Get great articles direct to your inbox
The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.
Popular Universities to Study Abroad
World class education waiting for you.
![Concordia University Wisconsin logo](https://www.canamgroup.com/assets/universitylogos/1691132207-Concordia-University-Wisconsin.webp)
![University of Nottingham - Jubilee Campus logo](https://www.canamgroup.com/assets/universitylogos/1713517162-University-of-Nottingham.webp)
University of Nottingham - Jubilee Campus
England, UK • 61 Programmes
Tuition Fee : GBP 20000-27000 / year
![Selkirk College - Trail Campus logo](https://www.canamgroup.com/assets/universitylogos/1706777025-1658990410-selkirk-college.png)
Selkirk College - Trail Campus
British Columbia, Canada • 2 Programmes
Tuition Fee : CAD 13500-16000 / year
![Jessup University - San Jose Campus logo](https://www.canamgroup.com/assets/universitylogos/1699423617-jessup-University-logo.webp)
![Macromedia University of Applied Sciences - Berlin Campus logo](https://www.canamgroup.com/assets/universitylogos/1700120081-Macromedia-University-of-Applied-Sciences-logo.webp)
Macromedia University of Applied Sciences - Berlin Campus
Berlin, Germany • 35 Programmes
Tuition Fee : EUR 11000-11000 / year
![Saskatchewan Polytechnic - Prince Albert Campus logo](https://www.canamgroup.com/assets/universitylogos/1658993845-saskatchewan-polytechnic.png)
Saskatchewan Polytechnic - Prince Albert Campus
Saskatchewan, Canada • 20 Programmes
Tuition Fee : CAD 12000-21500 / year
![Global University Systems (GUS) - Berlin School of Business and Innovation - Berlin Campus logo](https://www.canamgroup.com/assets/universitylogos/1700119034-Berlin-School-of-Business-and-Innovation-logo.webp)
Global University Systems (GUS) - Berlin School of Business and Innovation - Berlin Campus
Berlin, Germany • 27 Programmes
Tuition Fee : EUR 9450-9925 / year
![Georgian College - Orangeville Campus logo](https://www.canamgroup.com/assets/universitylogos/1658996308-georgian-college.png)
Georgian College - Orangeville Campus
Ontario, Canada • 7 Programmes
Tuition Fee : CAD 14000-14500 / year
Popular English Language Proficiency Exams
IELTS Online
- Live Classes
Blogs and Articles
Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.
Best Cities in Germany for Indian Students
Updated on • Sep 07,2024 05:51 PM IST • Germany
Student Accommodation in New Zealand
Updated on • Sep 06,2024 05:01 PM IST • New Zealand
Transportation for Students in Germany
Updated on • Sep 05,2024 11:37 AM IST • Germany
IELTS for UK: Scores, Universities & Visa Requirements
Updated on • Sep 03,2024 10:54 AM IST • UK
New Rules & Regulations in Canada for International Students
Updated on • Aug 31,2024 03:19 PM IST • Study in Canada
Best Cities to Study in Switzerland
Updated on • Aug 29,2024 05:21 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance
Public Transportation in Canada for International students
Updated on • Aug 29,2024 05:08 PM IST • Study in Canada
Masters in Health Informatics in USA- Top Universities, Courses & Eligibility Criteria
Updated on • Aug 28,2024 05:48 PM IST • USA
Healthcare in Canada for international students
Updated on • Aug 27,2024 05:12 PM IST • Study in Canada
विदेश में पढाई के बाद करियर के अवसर
Updated on • Aug 26,2024 11:54 AM IST • Hindi Blogs
Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic
Updated on • Aug 19,2024 04:19 PM IST • IELTS
PTE Score Chart 2024: PTE Exam Scoring System & Calculation
Updated on • Aug 17,2024 05:22 PM IST • PTE
Describe a law on Environmental Protection - IELTS Cue Card Sample 24
Updated on • Aug 16,2024 03:13 PM IST • IELTS
How can I Master TOEFL Vocabulary?
Updated on • Aug 16,2024 01:06 PM IST • TOEFL
Updated on • Aug 14,2024 03:03 PM IST • UK
Updated on • Aug 13,2024 04:15 PM IST • TOEFL
Courses in Canada for International Students
Updated on • Aug 10,2024 01:29 PM IST • Study in Canada
Master of Social Work (MSW) in Australia
Updated on • Aug 10,2024 11:26 AM IST • Australia
Describe an area of science you like or are interested in - IELTS CUE Card Sample 77
Updated on • Aug 09,2024 01:50 PM IST • IELTS
SOP for Australia Format, Sample, and Expert Tips
Updated on • Aug 08,2024 03:18 PM IST • SOP
Related Blogs and Articles
A little effort to provide an authentic and reliable content for keen readers!!
Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic
Updated on • 19-08-2024 • IELTS
Describe a law on Environmental Protection - IELTS Cue Card Sample 24
Updated on • 16-08-2024 • IELTS
Describe an area of science you like or are interested in - IELTS CUE Card Sample 77
Updated on • 09-08-2024 • IELTS
How to crack IELTS exam in first attempt?
Updated on • 27-07-2024 • IELTS
Improve IELTS Listening Skills
Updated on • 25-07-2024 • IELTS
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics and Questions
Updated on • 16-07-2024 • IELTS
Advantages & Disadvantages Essay in IELTS
Updated on • 08-07-2024 • IELTS
Linking Words for IELTS Speaking - Word List & Tips
Updated on • 21-06-2024 • IELTS
Connectors /Linking Words for Writing - Functions and Tips
Updated on • 21-06-2024 • IELTS
Degree of Comparison Rules: How to Use Degree of Comparison in IELTS
Updated on • 18-06-2024 • IELTS
IELTS GT Writing Task 1/ IELTS Letter Writing
Updated on • 14-06-2024 • IELTS
How to Select the Best IELTS Coaching Institute?
Updated on • 14-06-2024 • IELTS
Enhance Your IELTS Vocabulary for Environment
Updated on • 04-06-2024 • IELTS
IELTS Cue Card Sample 559 - Describe your favourite dress
Updated on • 30-04-2024 • IELTS
English Language Improvement: Learning Silent Words
Updated on • 29-04-2024 • IELTS
Difference between IELTS & IELTS UKVI
Updated on • 18-04-2024 • IELTS
Updated on • 04-04-2024 • IELTS
Crime & Punishment Essay IELTS
Updated on • 02-04-2024 • IELTS
Believing These 8 Myths About IELTS Keeps You From Growing
Updated on • 02-04-2024 • IELTS
20 Common IELTS Essay Topics for Writing Task 2
Updated on • 01-04-2024 • IELTS