The Irritating Truth About Silent Letters in English

The video explores the history of silent letters in English, debunking the myth that they are remnants of old pronunciations. Instead, these letters were deliberately added by scholars during the Renaissance to reflect Latin roots. Examples include words like 'doubt' and 'receipt', where unnecessary letters were inserted. The video highlights the role of scholars in altering English spelling to showcase their knowledge of Latin and Greek, affecting words like 'debt', 'plumber', and 'isle'.

What is the common misconception about silent letters in English?

• They are a modern invention.

• They were always silent.

• They are used to simplify spelling.

• They are remnants of old pronunciations.

During which period did scholars start adding silent letters to English words?

• The Industrial Revolution

• The Renaissance

• The Enlightenment

• The Middle Ages

Which word had a 'B' added to reflect its Latin root?

• Plumber

• Knight

• Debt

• Receipt

What silent letter was added to the word 'aisle'?

• B

• K

• P

• S

Which word pair is incorrectly assumed to be related due to added silent letters?

• Debt and Doubt

• Isle and Island

• Receipt and Recipe

• Plumber and Plummet