definite teaching is given concerning them. The new sound is taught with
its diacritical mark and the reason given, e.g. "c before e, i, or y is
soft."

When a reason or rule for marking is given, lists of words illustrating
the rule should be sounded and pronounced. The teacher marks the word as
the reason is given. Lists of words may be marked by the pupils as a
dictation exercise.

The above use of _diacritical marks_ does not apply to the pernicious
practice of marking words to aid in pronunciation, but to show the
purpose of marks, which is merely to indicate the sound.

_Teach that the sound of the letter depends upon its position in the
word, and not upon the diacritical marks._



REASONS FOR SOUNDS

1. When there is one vowel in the word and it is at the last, it is
long.

me he my sky
be the by cry
we she fly try

2. One vowel in the word, not at the last, is short; as, mat, nest,
pond.