The following series of pronunciation exercises combines words beginning with the same consonant sound followed by similar

vowel sounds. Voiced and voiceless consonants are paired (b - voiced / p voiceless, d - voiced / t - voiceless, etc.) to help students compare and contrast similar consonant formation. Pairing similar phonemes to improve pronunciation skills is also known as the use of minimal pairs. Minimal pairs change words by one phoneme so that the basic pronunciation pattern remains the same with one slight - minimal - difference. This allows students to really focus in on the slight difference in jaw, tongue, or lip placement needed to make the various phonemes.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Repeat each line slowly, listen for the minor differences between the vowel and consonant sounds. Repeat each line three times. Each time repeat more quickly trying to keep the sounds distinct. Find a partner and listen to each other repeat the lines. Try to invent sentences using each sound at least once. For example: The big bat bet he could beat the others. - Don't worry too much about the sentence making much sense! ih - pronounced 'ih' as ee - pronounced 'ee' as eh - pronounced 'eh' in 'hit' big pig did tip gill kill sip zip ship gin chip hit in 'see' beat peep deal teeth gee! keep see zeal sheet jeep cheek heat
05 pit 06

ae - pronounced 'ae' as in 'cat' bat pat dad tap gap cat sat zap shaft jack chat hat

as in 'let' bet pet death tell get kept set zeppelin shelf jell chess help

Vowel Phonemes 01

Consonant Phonemes 09 luck 21 10 pet 22 11 pat 23 12 pot 24 meat ago good

25 pit 26 bit 27 time 28 door

car

doo

02 07 03 08 04

girl

too

13

17

day

33

bear

37

man

14

18

sky

34

tour

38

nice

15

19

boy

35

go

39

ring

16

20

beer

36

cow

40

leg

A: Hey, Robert, what are you doing this weekend? B: I didn't have any big plans. A: We are putting together a birthday party for Mary. B: That sounds like fun. Where will it be? A: We thought it would be fun to have a pool party at Jay's house. B: Oh good! Can I bring anything? A: We will be providing hot dogs, hamburgers, and cake, but people can bring side dishes. B: I am assuming that the dress is casual. A: Dress casually and bring your bathing suit! B: Wonderful. Just e-mail me the time and date and I'll be there. A: Robert, do you have plans for the weekend? B: I have nothing definite planned. A: Saturday is Mary's birthday, and we are throwing her a party. B: Sure, I could come to her party. Where are you going to have it? A: It's going to be a pool party at Jay's apartment building. B: That sounds like fun. Is it a potluck? A: We would like for people to help us by bringing side dishes and drinks. B: The dress will be casual then? A: Make sure to bring your bathing suit, and dress casually. B: Sounds great. Just drop me an e-mail with the time you've picked.

3A: Robert, are you going to be in town this weekend? B: I don't have anything scheduled yet. A: We were wondering if you would like to come to Mary's birthday party on Saturday. B: I would enjoy coming to Mary's party. Will it be at your house? A: The party will be at Jay's house out by the pool. B: Will everyone be pitching in with some food? A: It would be great if you could bring a side dish, but the rest of the food will be provided. B: What should we wear? A: This is a pool party, so make sure to bring your bathing suit. B: Sounds like we'll have a great time. When you've figured out the details, drop me an e-mail.