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Unit 8: Syllables: vowel and consonant patterns

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Unit 8: Syllables: how to divide words

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Syllables: vowel and consonant patterns


The usual rule is simple: every syllable contains a vowel.

Sometimes, that vowel sound is spelled with just one letter:

dentist lazy upon volcano America

Sometimes, it is spelled with more than one letter:

teaching lightest statue swallow cloakroom

Rule Breakers - these words break spelling rules

Now, you know what’s coming next!

A few words break the rule and the syllables are created by consonants.
For example:
  Sometimes the letter m on the end of a word forms a syllable on its own:
rhythm Most rock music has strong rhythm.
chasm A chasm is a wide gap.
spasm A spasm is a sudden, uncontrolled movement.

  These words all have the suffix -ism which has two syllables. It can mean an action, a system, a principle, a medical condition:
ageism Ageism: bias against older people.
alcoholism Alcoholism: an addiction to alcohol.
Buddhism Buddhism: the beliefs of Buddhists.
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The Spellzone interactive course is intended to be used online and may not be printed.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for our students!  I'm sure Spellzone will be invaluable in helping them to improve their spellings and therefore improve the quality of their writing in all subject areas!"

Teacher, High School, UK