📚 Part 1: Learn the Sound Patterns

A consonant blend has two or three consonants. You can hear each sound, but the sounds are joined smoothly.

Examples: br in brief: /b/ + /r/ → br
st in store: /s/ + /t/ → st
nd in send: /n/ + /d/ → nd

A digraph has two letters that make one sound.

Examples: sh in shop makes /sh/; ch in check makes /ch/.

Pronunciation guide: Say the first sound, add the next sound, and join them without stopping: /s/ + /t/ → st. Keep the vowel clear: stop, step, staff.

Reading tip: In longer words, say each syllable, then join the syllables. The stressed syllable is said a little more clearly and strongly.

✏️ Part 2: Practise Blends

a. Please ____op at the counter.

b. I need to ____ace an order.

c. The ____oup is ready.

🗣️ Part 3: Use Blends in Communication

a. Could you ______ the form to reception?

b. Please ______ me the appointment details.

c. ______ speak slowly.

Answer Key

1. brief

2. send

3. a–3, b–2, c–1

4. digraph

5. a. stop, b. place, c. group

6. Listen for the separate sounds joined smoothly: /k/ /l/ → cl; /d/ /r/ → dr; /p/ /l/ → pl.

7. clean, branch, street

8. a. bring, b. send, c. please

9. ap-POINT-ment; re-PLY

10. Answers will vary. Example: Please bring the blue form.