One-third of all 22,000 encyclopedic articles presented in World Book Online now contain at least one supporting audio-pronunciation file. Over the past year, 8,500 newly recorded sound files have been created, resulting in one or more audio pronunciations for difficult words and phrases in 7,500 articles throughout the site.

"For the last half-century, World Book has provided pronunciation guidance in various formats for readers, and now that expert guidance is instantly available in audio form to our online customers as well," said Howard Timms, World Book Online's editorial director. "This major site enhancement provides World Book Online users with a critical connection between sound and print."

According to the announcement, World Book Online's audio-pronunciation files furnish students, parents, and business professionals with a valuable tool for reinforcing reading skills and fine-tuning oral-presentation skills. Sound files attached as audio icons to each of the difficult-to-pronounce words or phrases are run within seconds by clicking on the corresponding icons. Although most audio pronunciations are located in the article title, some articles, such as "Dinosaurs" and "Pronunciation," are embedded within text or tables. A table located in World Book's Pronunciation Key article explains audio-files operation.

World Book Online with its new audio-pronunciation guide is available for a free 30-day trial by logging on to http://www.worldbook.com and clicking "World Book Online."

Source: World Book, Inc., Chicago, 312/729-5800; http://www.worldbook.com.