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4.2: Pronunciation

  • Page ID
    189954

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    Focus I: Linking Words

     

     

    Note: This recording includes Focus I and Practice I.


    In English, speakers often combine the last sound of a word with the beginning sound of the next word in a sentence or phrase. This is called linking.

    Example: always_early         an_apartment         you_are_right  

    Rule 1Final consonant + beginning vowel - A consonant sound at the end of a word and before a vowel sound in the next word is clear and easy to hear.

    Example 1: last_evening        keep_it        dental_assistant  

    Rule 2: Final consonant + different beginning consonant - A consonant sound at the end of a word and before a consonant sound in the next word is soft. Don’t put a vowel sound between the consonants.

    Example 2: white_couch  (Don’t say “white a couch.” )         childcare_worker        coat_rack                          

    Rule 3: Final consonant + same beginning consonant - When a consonant sound at the end of a word is the same as the beginning consonant of the next word, say one long consonant.  

    Example 3: next_to        house_sitter        apartment_tennant

    Practice I: Linking Words

    Directions:  Listen and repeat the phrases and sentences.  Use the rules to practice linking the words correctly. 

    1. It’s expensive.

    2. an office

    3. I got hired!

    4. an application

    5. career opportunity

    6. work clothes

    7. big garage

    8. five bedrooms

    9. large family

    10. work quickly

    Partner Activity 1

    Directions:  Follow the steps below.

    1. Choose five (5) phrases or sentences in the Practice I: Linking Words exercise above and write them in the left column.
    2. Say the chosen five (5) phrases or sentences on the left column to your partner. Your partner writes them down on the right column of his/her paper.
    3. Listen to your partner's phrases or sentences and write them down on the right column of your paper.
    Practice Linking Words
    Your Phrases or Sentences Your Partner's Phrases or Sentences
    1. 1.
    2. 2.
    3. 3.
    4. 4.
    5. 5.

    Focus II: Pronunciation of Common Verbs and Their Negative Forms   

     

     

    Note: This recording includes Focus II and Practice II.


    Some English verbs and their negative forms can be hard to hear and pronounce. However, it is important to pronounce them correctly because they can change the meaning of a sentence.

    Example: Which sentence do you hear?

    1. She does like to eat liver and onions.
    2. She doesn’t like to eat liver and onions.

    The sentence is negative. The speaker doesn’t like to eat liver and onions. This is important information for someone having her over for dinner!

    Directions:  Listen and repeat the following common verbs with their negative forms.

    Verbs with Their Negative Forms
    do don't
    does doesn't
    is isn't
    are aren't

    Practice II: Listen for the Correct Verb

    Directions:  Choose the word you hear in the following sentences:

    1. do/don’t love the apartment.

    2. My job is/isn’t easy.

    3. They are/aren’t good renters.

    4. He does/doesn’t work as a mechanic?

    5. Do/don’t buy a condo. It is/isn’t a good investment.

    6. My house does/doesn’t have a garage.

    7. My townhouse is/isn’t next to a park.

    8. The sofa is/isn’t next to the coffee table.

    9. My brother can/can’t buy a house.  It’s too expensive.

    10. They are/aren’t working at a dentist office?

    Practice II: Partner Activity

    Directions:  Find a partner. Write ten sentences using negative contracted verbs about your classroom or classmates. Take turns reading the sentences using the linking rules.

    Example:  There isn’t an alligator next to my teacher.  Anh doesn’t have a hat on his head.

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