Read short words: cat, pen, sit, hop, sun — Learn & Practise

Read short words by joining their sounds. This starter lesson uses simple three-letter words with a short vowel in the middle.

Understand the idea

Say the sounds, then blend them into a word: c-a-t becomes cat. Use letter sounds, not just the alphabet names. Read cat, mat and sat. The ending stays the same; the first sound changes. Next, try pin and pen. This time the middle sound changes. Read slowly before trying to read faster. After reading a word, point to an object, draw a picture or use it in a short sentence: The cat sat. The sun is hot. Short-vowel sounds vary somewhat across accents; a familiar local English accent is fine.

See a worked example

cat → a small pet / pen → a writing tool / sun → the star that lights our day

A useful check

Letter names identify letters; letter sounds help you read the word.

Read the full lesson and translations →

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Five questions with feedback on every answer. New sets can repeat familiar ideas so you can practise again. This is practice, not a certified assessment.

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