scorch
verbTo burn the surface of something and make it dark or discoloured.
nounA dark mark or burn on the surface of something from heat.
verbTo destroy or damage something badly with heat or fire.
verbTo move very fast, leaving marks behind.
nounBrown damage on plant leaves caused by too much heat or too little water.
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: SC Blend
SC at the start of a word makes the /sk/ sound, like in 'scan', 'scoop', and 'scale'.
SC blends the /s/ and /k/ sounds together. Before A, O, U, and most consonants it says /sk/. Before E and I, the C softens and SC can say /s/ (scene, science).
Tip
SC scoops — /sk/ like a scoop of ice cream!
Examples
Phonics Rule: R-Controlled OR
When R comes after O, it makes the /ɔːr/ sound, like in 'for' and 'corn'.
OR makes the /ɔːr/ sound. Unlike ER/IR/UR which all sound the same, OR has its own distinct sound. The companion rule r_controlled_or_er covers the /ɜːr/ pronunciation after W (word, work).
Tip
OR — the horse in the corner says /ɔːr/!
Examples
Phonics Rule: CH Digraph
C and H together make a new sound: /tʃ/, like in 'chop' and 'much'.
When C and H are together, they don't say /k/ + /h/. They make a completely new sound: /tʃ/. This is called a digraph — two letters making one sound.
Tip
CH — choo choo goes the train!
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.
