We often have two vowels used in the same syllable as a single sound, as ou in round, oi in oil, etc.

A diphthong is a union of two vowels to represent a single sound different from that of either alone.

Sometimes we have two vowels used together in a combination which is really not a diphthong for they do not unite in a different sound. Only one of the vowels is used and the other is silent as ai in rain, oa in soap, etc.

The most common diphthongs are:

• ou as in sound.
• ow as in owl.
• oi as in oil.
• oy as in boy.

In the spelling lesson for this week mark the words in which the combination of vowels forms a diphthong. In some of the words the combination of vowels does not form a diphthong for only one of the vowels is sounded. Draw a line through the silent letter.

Monday

• Straight
• Aisle
• Search
• Breadth
• Defeat

Tuesday

• Exploit
• Ceiling
• Height
• People
• Feudal

Wednesday

• Brought
• Shoulder
• Group
• Compound
• Trouble

Thursday

• Royal
• Coarse
• Course
• Broad
• Flower

Friday

• Laughter
• Haunted
• Plaid
• Invoice
• Chair

Saturday

• Guide
• Build
• Grieve
• Sieve
• Renown