Appleworks can read highlighted text out loud.

To add the Speak Text Icon to the Appleworks button bar:

1. From the Apple Menu, select Preferences > Button Bar.
   
2. In the Word Processing Section of the Button Bar, double click on the .
   
3. This will place the "lips" icon in the button bar.
   
4. To command Appleworks to speak the written text, highlight the text and click on the Speak Text Icon.