JAYNE LATZ Digital Talking Business

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Talking Business:
When English Is Your Second Language

Fourth Edition
Written by: Jayne Latz and Stacey Rimikis
Copyright 2015 by Corporate Speech Solutions, LLC
All rights reserved. No part of this publication or accompanying media files

may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including scanning, photocopying, photography, recording, or any
information storage and retrieval system without prior permission from the
authors.
For inquiries or requests, contact:

Corporate Speech Solutions, LLC
150 East 61st St.
New York, NY 10065
info@corporatespeechsolutions.com
www.corporatespeechsolutions.com
www.facebook.com/corporatespeechsolutions
ISBN: 978-0-615-57349-6
Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language
www.CorporateSpeechSolutions.com
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Table of Contents
Welcome! .................................................................................................................. 5
Chapter 1: Communication Skills for Better Business ......................................... 6
Communicating with Clarity and Confidence........................................................... 7
Non-Verbal Communication Tips ............................................................................ 8
Take Your Time .................................................................................................... 14
Volume .................................................................................................................. 15
Breath Support ...................................................................................................... 16
Tips for Being a Good Listener ............................................................................. 18
Chapter 2: Vowels .................................................................................................. 20
Vowel Pronunciation Guide ................................................................................... 21
Introduction to Vowels ........................................................................................... 22
The Vowel Quadrilateral........................................................................................ 23
Front Vowels ......................................................................................................... 24
Back Vowels ......................................................................................................... 27
Central Vowels ...................................................................................................... 30
Diphthongs ............................................................................................................ 31
R-Colored Vowels ................................................................................................. 32
Vowel Practice
/i/ .................................................................................................................. 34
/I/ .................................................................................................................. 35
/e/ ................................................................................................................. 36
/Ɛ/ ................................................................................................................. 37
/æ/ ................................................................................................................ 38
/u/ ................................................................................................................. 39
/Ʊ/................................................................................................................. 40
/o/ ................................................................................................................. 41
/ɔ/ ................................................................................................................. 42
/ɑ/ ................................................................................................................. 43
/ʌ/ ................................................................................................................. 44
/ə/ ................................................................................................................. 45
Diphthong Practice
/ɑɪ/ ................................................................................................................ 46
/ɑu/ ............................................................................................................... 47
/ɔɪ/ ................................................................................................................ 48
R-Colored Vowel Practice
/ir/ ................................................................................................................ 49
/er/ ................................................................................................................ 50
/or/ ............................................................................................................... 51
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/ɑr/ ............................................................................................................... 52
/ɑɪr/ .............................................................................................................. 53
/ɚ/ ................................................................................................................ 54
/ɝ/ ................................................................................................................ 55
Chapter 3: Consonants ......................................................................................... 56

Consonant Pronunciation Guide ........................................................................... 57
Introduction to Consonants ................................................................................... 58
The International Phonetic Alphabet Chart ........................................................... 61
Consonant Practice
/p/................................................................................................................. 66
/b/................................................................................................................. 67
/t/ ................................................................................................................. 68
/d/................................................................................................................. 69
/k/ ................................................................................................................. 70
/g/ ................................................................................................................. 71
/m/................................................................................................................ 72
/n/................................................................................................................. 73
/ŋ/................................................................................................................. 74
‐ing: Present Progressive ................................................................................ 75
/f/ ................................................................................................................. 76
/v/ ................................................................................................................. 77
/Ɵ/ ................................................................................................................ 78
/ð/ ................................................................................................................. 79
/s/ ................................................................................................................. 80
/z/ ................................................................................................................. 81
/ʃ/.................................................................................................................. 82
/Ʒ/................................................................................................................. 83
/ʧ/ ................................................................................................................. 84
/ʤ/ ............................................................................................................... 85
/h/................................................................................................................. 86
/r/ ................................................................................................................. 87
/j/.................................................................................................................. 88
/l/ initial and final ....................................................................................... 89
/l/ medial ................................................................................................... 90
/w/ ................................................................................................................ 91
Initial Consonant Clusters
/b/ Blends ..................................................................................................... 92
/k/ Blends ..................................................................................................... 93
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/d/ Blends ..................................................................................................... 94
/f/ Blends ...................................................................................................... 95
/g/ Blends ..................................................................................................... 96
/p/ Blends ..................................................................................................... 97
/s/ Blends Part 1 ........................................................................................... 98
/s/ Blends Part 2 ........................................................................................... 99
/ʃ/ and /Ɵ/ Blends ...................................................................................... 100
/t/ Blends .................................................................................................... 101
Final Consonant Clusters
/ld/ .............................................................................................................. 102
/st/ .............................................................................................................. 103
/ts/ .............................................................................................................. 104
Voiced and Unvoiced Pairs.................................................................................. 105
Chapter 4: Helpful Hints ...................................................................................... 107

Tricky Silent Letters ............................................................................................. 108
“gh” Variations ..................................................................................................... 110
Final /t/ Sound ..................................................................................................... 112
Pronunciation: Final /s/ ........................................................................................ 113
Pronunciation: Past Tense Endings..................................................................... 116
Subject-Verb Agreement ..................................................................................... 119
Irregular Past-Tense Verbs.................................................................................. 121
Practice Makes Perfect! ...................................................................................... 123

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Welcome!
Our goal at Corporate Speech Solutions is to provide individuals with the skills
to be clear, articulate and confident communicators when speaking Standard
American English (SAE). In 2009 Corporate Speech Solutions conducted a
poll on communication in the workplace. Ninety percent of respondents stated
that they view communication in the workplace as “very important”; not
“important”, not “somewhat important”, but “very important.”
Learning to communicate well and achieve success in the production of the

many sounds of SAE isn’t easy. Changing the way one speaks takes
commitment and practice. We’ve designed this workbook to help you develop
the essential skills needed to become a dynamic and confident speaker. In
addition to the written guide, audio files are also available, in which much of
the workbook content is spoken by a native English speaker. Use these files
to help you fine-tune your production of the sounds of SAE as you go along.
Wherever you see this symbol , an audio file is available for the given
material. You can access and download the audio files for this workbook at
www.corporatespeechsolutions.com/sound-files
This workbook has been designed for independent work as well as for training
and coaching. The goal of this workbook is not just to practice the sounds of
SAE but to improve your business communication skills as well. Our goal is to
provide you with the skills to turn your speech and communication into
powerful business tools they were meant to be.
We wish you lots of success in learning to “Say it better!”
~Jayne Latz and the Team at Corporate Speech Solutions
6 Chapter 1: Communication for Better Business

Chapter 1: Communication for Better Business 7

Confidence is a key component in creating a strong, capable professional

image. When communicating in a professional setting, projecting confidence
can make or break an interaction and have a significant impact on how others
perceive your character and professional abilities. Those who appear
confident are often assumed to be more capable in their jobs and more worthy
of trust and respect. While a lucky few may naturally project a confident air,
the majority of us must work to develop this skill. Chapter one will provide you
with tips for developing the confident communication skills you need to
succeed in the workplace. Through non-verbal communication skills, business
communication tips, and speech improvement exercises, this section of our
workbook will help mold your speech, language, and overall communication
so that you can communicate with clarity and confidence!

Good communication is the foundation of successful relationships, both personally

and professionally. But we communicate with much more than words. In fact,
research shows that the majority of our communication is nonverbal. Nonverbal
communication, or body language, includes our facial expressions, gestures, eye
contact, posture, and even the tone of our voice.
The ability to understand and use nonverbal communication is a powerful tool that
will help you connect with others, express what you really mean, navigate
challenging situations, and build better relationships at home and work. The next few
pages will guide you through some of the most important aspects of nonverbal
communication you will encounter in the workplace.

The Importance of Eye Contact

In both your personal and professional life, how you meet the eyes of a conversation
partner is crucial in communication. Although many give it little thought, eye contact
is key in relating your message, holding your listener’s attention, and gauging their
response to what it is you’re saying.
Basic Rules for Effective Eye Contact

How and when you make eye contact can have a significant effect on your
communication. If you look at your conversation
partner too intently or for too long, it can be seen as
aggressive or uncomfortable. However, if you look at
them too infrequently, it may appear that you are
uninterested in the conversation. Too little eye contact
can also give the impression that you are dishonest—
as most people find it difficult to meet someone’s eyes
while lying, looking away from your listener too
frequently can impact the sincerity of your message.

A good rule for maintaining the appropriate amount of eye contact is to meet your
partner’s eyes for about 80% of the time. The best way to do this is to maintain
steady eye contact for approximately four to five seconds, and then briefly shift your
gaze for a second or so. This allows you to maintain interest without staring too
intently at your partner. When breaking eye contact, it is best to look up or to the
side, rather than down. Gazing downward can display a lack of confidence or
indicate that you are finished speaking.
While in social situations we may shift our gaze to different parts of a person’s face
or even body, in business it is best to restrict your gaze to a more specific region.
Imagine a “T” across your listener’s face, with the top part connecting their eyes and
the lower line extending to the top of their lips—limit your eye contact to this specific
area as you speak.
Eye contact can be adjusted to be more effective for different situations:
As a Listener:
Eye contact helps you to stay focused on what it is your conversation partner is
saying. Too often people give the impression of listening, while in reality they are
simply planning what it is they want to say next. Meeting your conversation partner’s
gaze can help prevent this all too common mistake. It also gives the other person a
sense that you are genuinely interested in what they are saying. As you listen, meet
your partner’s gaze, but occasionally shift your gaze from one of your partner’s eyes
to the other in order to prevent staring too intently. Punctuate this with the occasional
nod or agreement sound (such as “uh-huh”, “hmm”, or “yes”) and your conversation
partner will feel comfortable communicating openly with you.
When Addressing a Group:

Eye contact is just as important when speaking to a group as it is in one-on-one
conversations. When speaking in front of a group, occasionally make eye contact
with individual members of the audience for about three seconds per person. Make
sure that you’re looking at people in various parts of the crowd, so that the entire
audience feels as though they’re being spoken to. Vary these individual moments of
contact with gazes out at the audience as a whole. This will help to give your
presentation a personal touch without feeling as though you are singling anyone out.

In Different Cultures:
What is regarded as “appropriate” eye contact can vary from culture to culture. While
Americans tend to view eye contact as a sign of honesty, many Eastern cultures find
too much eye contact to be impolite or even disrespectful. Always take your
listener’s background and personality into account during a conversation, and follow
their lead—if their eye contact is significantly different from your own, adjust your
style slightly to be more similar to theirs.
When Arguing or Negotiating:

Situations in which you are trying to persuade someone require slightly stronger eye
contact than typical conversation. While you still want to avoid aggressively staring
your partner down, it can be effective to hold your partner’s gaze for longer than
usual. This is especially true when you are trying to convince someone of something
or make a specific point. Maintaining eye contact also allows you to gauge your
listener’s reaction to your message. By looking into someone’s eyes, you can
determine whether they are following your argument, feeling offended, or
disagreeing with what it is you’re saying. Being aware of your partner’s feelings
helps you to adjust your speaking style and message accordingly.


Perfecting the Handshake

It is said that one establishes their opinion of another person within the first five
seconds of meeting them. One critical action that takes place during this time is the
introductory handshake. What does your handshake say about you and how can you
improve it? Read the following tips to help you make the most of this little gesture:
Verbally Introduce the Handshake: Never shake hands silently. As you reach for the
person’s hand, introduce yourself verbally (e.g. “Hi, I’m Mike.”). Or, if someone else
has made the introduction for you, offer a word of greeting (e.g. “Nice to meet you,”
or “It’s a pleasure meeting you.”).
Perfect the Grip: No one likes to shake a limp hand—it comes across as passive and
disinterested. However, too firm of a handshake may seem aggressive or
uncomfortable. Practice lightly squeezing your own forearm to gauge how strong of
a grip is comfortable and how it feels to you.
Timing: It’s important that a handshake last for the right amount of time. A typical
handshake should last approximately three to four seconds. This allows enough time
to make a connection, but doesn’t last long enough to feel awkward.
Motion: Don’t simply hold the other person’s hand; lightly pump their hand up and
down two to three times, leading from the elbow. Again, moderation is key:
remaining motionless is awkward, but aggressively pulling your partner’s hand up
and down is equally uncomfortable.
Eye contact: Always ALWAYS look your partner in the eye as you shake their hand.
It helps you to appear friendly, confident, and professional.

The Power of Gestures

The ways in which you gesture can make or break the image you project to others.
Many people are uncomfortable using their hands when they speak and fall into
default positions that limit their movement. While this may be suitable on occasion,
continually lapsing into a fixed position will make you appear immobile and insecure.
In particular, the following habits can be particularly harmful:
Sitting with your chin in your hands: this casual posture makes you look
overly relaxed. Sitting with your chin in your hands may also make you
appear inexperienced or unprofessional in comparison with those around you.
Folding your arms: The person who takes up the most physical space in a
contained group setting is generally perceived to be dominant over his or her
peers. Habitually folding your arms creates the impression you’re trying to
take up as little space as possible and fade into the background. This creates
an air of passivity and uncertainty.
Instead of allowing yourself to fall into a fixed posture like those above, become
comfortable utilizing gestures. Not only do natural gestures make you appear
confident and at ease, they can also be used to draw attention to important points in
your speech. Making subtle but definite gestures during key moments will help your
listener focus on these points. One movement that works particularly well is
gesturing toward your listener with your palm facing upwards. The forward motion
signals strength and security, while your upturned palm projects openness and
honesty.
To get a good sense of how you gesture on a regular basis, ask a friend or close
coworker to keep an eye on how you move during a typical interaction and provide
feedback.

What Does Your Posture Say About You?

One of the things that most strongly affects
people’s perception of an individual is his or her
posture. A weak stance or slumping shoulders can
give the impression that you are unsure of yourself
and unconsciously trying to hide. When standing,
keep your feet planted firmly on the ground,
roughly shoulder-width apart. Hold your shoulders
back, and keep your chin level with the ground.
One way to ensure strong posture while standing,
is to concentrate on pulling your naval in toward
your spine. This simple move will instantly create a
stronger, more erect stance.
When sitting, keep your back straight and avoid the

temptation to slouch. Lean slightly forward from the
waist, letting your forearms rest on the table in front
of you. This helps show that you are engaged and ready to take action, rather than
passively absorbing the conversation. To remember to sit with good posture, use
this visualization technique: imagine there is an invisible string running through your
body and coming out the top of your head. Now picture this string being pulled
straight up toward the ceiling, straightening your body in the process. The more
often you sit tall, the more naturally it will come.
So the next time you glance in a mirror, take note of how you are standing. What
does your posture say about you? Do you see a strong, confident leader, or a self-
conscious, uncomfortable slumper? Creating and maintaining good posture will let
others know you are confident in who you are and what you are saying.

Take Your Time!

No matter how clear your speech is, it can be hard for your listener to understand
what you’re saying if you speak too quickly. People often rush their speech when
nervous, excited, or speaking about an issue they feel passionate about. Take your
time while speaking to ensure that your speech is understandable. Pausing
occasionally while speaking will not only help you to slow down, but will give your
audience a chance to fully process the information. It can also help to emphasize an
important point or clarify your message.
Try reading the following passages aloud, using the marks below as a guide for how
and when to pause.
/ = short pause, used to emphasize a particular word or point

// = mid-length pause, used to break up sections of a sentence or add particularly
strong emphasis to a word or phrase
///= long pause, generally used between sentences
1. Sir?// I’m sorry to bother you./// Could I come in?/// As you know,/ I’ve been with
the company for thirteen years now./// I feel that I’m an excellent worker;// I
come to work on time every day,// my work is of the highest quality/ and always
completed on time./// However,/ in all my years with the company,// I have never
received a raise./// I do love working here,// but frankly I can’t survive on my
current salary./// I have two children now,// and unless you give me a raise,// I’ll
be forced to quit.
2. First of all,/ I’d like to thank everyone for coming to this meeting on such short
notice./// I know you all have very busy schedules,// and taking time to meet up
like this is not easy./// However,/ I think you’ll be happy that you came today.///
As you are aware,/ we have had a very good year:// sales have been higher
than ever before,/ and they show no signs of slowing./// As a company,/ we
value our employees,// the people who make our success possible./// As such,
we’d like to make sure our appreciation is known:/// this year,/ due to our
success/, each of you will be receiving a $2000 bonus/ and two extra days of
vacation!

Volume
The volume at which you say something can make a big difference in how your
listener receives your message. If you don’t speak loudly enough, your listener may
miss important information. Speak too loudly, and you risk irritating your listener or
making him or her uncomfortable. Practice saying the list of numbers below,
following directions and paying close attention to your volume.
Say these words in order, following the directions below:

1. one
2. two
3. three
4. four
5. five
6. six
First time through:

1. Softly
2. Twice as loud
3. As loud as you can
4. Half that loud
5. Just a little bit softer
6. Whisper
Second time through:

1. You are in the library and don’t want to disturb the other people in the room.
2. You are speaking to an elderly man who has trouble hearing.
3. You are in noisy restaurant, speaking to someone at the other end of a large
table.
4. You are at home having dinner with your partner in your kitchen.
5. You are speaking on the telephone, and your listener has the television on
loudly and a baby is crying in the background.
6. You are trying to get your friend’s attention across a crowded room.

Breath Support
Remember that air is the power behind your voice. Proper breathing will help you to
project your voice and present yourself as clear and confident. Use the following
exercises to practice breath support and increase the amount of speech you can
produce with one breath.
1. When is the meeting?
When is the meeting that Dave organized?
When is the meeting that Dave organized to discuss the proposal?
When is the meeting that Dave organized to discuss the proposal that Sarah
wrote?
wrote about the new client?
wrote about the new client in Afghanistan?
2. Where were you?
Where were you last Thursday night?
Where were you last Thursday night at eight o’clock?
Where were you last Thursday night at eight o’clock when I tried to call you?
Where were you last Thursday night at eight o’clock when I tried to call you about
the presentation?
the presentation that you were supposed to prepare?
the presentation that you were supposed to prepare for today?

3. Where is the archived file?
Where is the archived file that I need?
Where is the archived file that I need to help me with my project?
Where is the archived file that I need to help me with my project on statistical
analysis?
analysis which is due tomorrow morning?
analysis which is due tomorrow morning before the meeting?
analysis which is due tomorrow morning before the meeting with the accounting
department?
4. Who is that?
Who is that woman over there?
Who is that woman over there by the table?
Who is that woman over there by the table in the corner?
Who is that woman over there by the table in the corner wearing a red dress?
Who is that woman over there by the table in the corner wearing a red dress and
talking to the man?
talking to the man who we met last night?
talking to the man who we met last night at the restaurant?

Tips for Being a Good Listener

Often people are so intent on improving their speech, that they forget that
communication is a two-way street. Learning to listen well can be just as important
as improving your speech and language skills. Use the tips below to become a
better listener and conversation partner:
Pay Attention! All too often, the listener in a

conversation will be looking at the speaker, but
not truly listening to what it is they’re saying.
Instead, they’re thinking about how to respond.
This means you may miss part of your
conversation partner’s message. Make
understanding, not simply responding, your
primary objective.
Listen Actively: Don’t just passively absorb

what your conversational partner is saying: ask
questions and make comments throughout the
conversation. If something is unclear, ask for
clarification, examples, or details. Another
strategy is rephrasing what the person just said
to make sure you understand. For example,
you might say, “If I understand correctly, you’re
saying that_____, is that right?” This helps
ensure that you receive the message and also
signals to the speaker that you are invested in
the conversation.
Silence is Golden: Don’t interrupt your partner! Often people are so eager to
demonstrate their knowledge or give input, they cut off their speaker or try to finish
their sentences for them. Avoid this at all costs. It will do nothing but offend your
conversational partner and make you appear rude. Instead, not only wait until your
partner has finished speaking, but allow a pause before you respond. This focuses
your listener’s attention and also gives the impression that you value their message.

Read between the Lines: Often a speaker may not say exactly what it is they’re
thinking or feeling. Try to gather extra meaning from inferences and non-verbal cues,
such as tone of voice or facial expression. You’ll be surprised at how much extra
information you can gather just by paying attention.
Show Interest: Show your partner that you are interested in what they are saying by
nodding, smiling, and making eye contact. You can also use occasional filler words
such as “uh-huh”, “yeah”, or “really?” to help indicate that you are involved. And
whatever you do, don’t multitask. If you are doodling or checking your Blackberry, it
indicates that the speaker is not a priority for you at the moment. This not only
alienates your speaker, but may also result in you missing important conversational
points and nuances.
Moving on…
Now that you have some of the basics of business communication, let’s take a look
at speech itself. In the following two chapters, we’ve broken down each sound of
Standard American English, providing information on how each sound is produced
along with plenty of audio files to serve as a guide. As you go through these next
chapters, take the time to really concentrate on your voice and speech as you
practice out loud and learn to produce the sounds of Standard American English.
20 Chapter 2: Vowels

Chapter 2: Vowels 21

Your Guide to Pronouncing English Vowels

IPA Personal Key
Key Word Placement Spelling Variations
Symbol Word
/i/ see high front i, e, ei, ea, ey, e_e, ee, ie
/I/ sit high front e, i, y, u, ui, ee, u_y
/e/ fake high-mid front a, ei, ai, ey, ay, a_e
/Ɛ/ pet low-mid front e, ai, ea, a, ue
/æ/ at low front a, au
/u/ u, ue, u_e, ui, ou, oo, o_e, o,
soon high back
oe, wo, ew
/Ʊ/ put high back o, u, oo, ou
/o/ phone high-mid back o, ow, oa, ew, o_e, ou
/ɔ/ law low-mid back aw, o, ou, a, au, oa
/ɑ/ rob low back a, o
/ə/ a, u, o, io (unstressed
about mid central
syllables)
/ʌ/ cut low-mid back-central u, o, oo, ou, oe
/ɚ/ er, or (“er” in an unstressed
cover mid central
syllable)
/ɝ/ burn mid central er, ir, or, ur, our, ear
Diphthongs: two separate vowels combined to form a single sound
IPA Personal Key
Key Word Spelling Variations
Symbol Word
/ɔɪ/ boy oi, oy
/ɑu/ mouse ou, ow
/ɑɪ/ by y, i, igh, i_e, uy, y, ei, ye, ai, ie
/ɑr/ bar ar, ear
/er/ hair ear, are, air, ere, eir
/ir/ near ir, ear, ier, ere, eer
/or/ more ar, or, oar, oor, our, ore
/ɑɪr/ liar ire, oir, uire, ier, iar, uyer, yer
Note: “_” used in spelling variations indicates “any consonant”

What is a Vowel?
The sounds of the English language can be divided into two main groups:
consonants and vowels. Consonants are produced by blocking the air flow at some
point in the vocal tract. Vowels, on the other hand, are produced with relatively no
obstruction of air flow. So what differentiates one vowel from another?
Tongue Position
Tongue position refers to how the tongue is situated in the mouth and can be
broken down into two categories: tongue advancement and tongue height.
Tongue advancement describes how far forward the tongue is in the mouth.
Vowels are divided into three categories of tongue advancement: front (towards the
teeth), central (in the middle), and back (towards the throat). Tongue height refers to
how high the tongue is. Like tongue advancement, tongue height is divided into
three groups: high, central, and low.
To feel the difference in tongue position, say the word “see” aloud. You will
notice that your tongue is in a high and forward position as you pronounce the word.
Now say the word “on”—your tongue is in a much lower and farther back position
than it was while pronouncing “see.”
Lip Position
There are three different lip positions in vowel production: rounded (pushed
forward, as in a kissing position), retracted (pulled back), and neutral. Typically, the
lips are rounded when producing front vowels and retracted when producing back
vowels. Neutral lip position occurs with central vowels.
To see and feel the difference in lip position, say the following words aloud
while looking in a mirror: “moon”, “mom”, “mean”. Note that your lips are pushed
forward when pronouncing “moon” (rounded lip position), pulled back when
pronouncing “mean” (retracted lip position), and neither rounded nor retracted when
producing “mom” (neutral lip position).
Tension
Different vowels are produced with varying levels of tension in the tongue.
Tense vowels require more muscular effort to produce and are generally longer in
duration. Lax vowels are produced with a more relaxed tongue and are shorter than
tense vowels.
Say the following pairs of words aloud, paying close attention to the amount
of tension you feel: “heat”/”hit”, “mood”/”mud”. In both pairs, you should have felt
more tension in the first word, and a greater sense of relaxation in the second.

The Vowel Quadrilateral

As we’ve already mentioned, the tongue’s position within the mouth is a major factor in
vowel production. In order to better visualize the idea of tongue advancement and height,
visualize the mouth as the space represented by the figure below. This figure, called the
vowel quadrilateral, is divided into three columns representing tongue advancement (front,
central, and back) and three rows representing tongue height (high, mid, and low).
As we go through each vowel sound individually in this chapter, we will classify them in
terms of tongue position. As you progress through the chapter, refer back to the vowel
quadrilateral to help familiarize yourself with the tongue’s position within the mouth.
Vowels Organized by Tongue Position
High Front Vowels: High Back Vowels:

/i/ as in “see” /u/ as in “soon”
/I/ as in “sit” Central Vowels: /Ʊ/ as in “put”
/ǝ/ as in “about”
Mid Front Vowels: /ʌ/ as in “cut” Mid Back Vowels:
/e/ as in “fake” /ɚ/ as in “cover” /o/ as in “phone”
/Ɛ/ as in “pet” /ɝ/ as in “burn” /ɔ/ as in “law”
Low Front Vowel: Low Back Vowels:

/æ/ as in “at” /ɑ/ as in “rob”

Front Vowels
High-Front Vowels
/i/
Key Word: see Lip Position: retracted Tongue Tension: tense
Spelling Variations:
i machine ea mean ee seen
e he ey key ie believe
ei receive e_e eve

/I/
Key Word: sit Lip Position: retracted Tongue Tension: lax

e pretty u business ee been
i it ui building u_y busy
y gym

Although both the /i/ and /I/ vowels are pronounced with a high-front tongue position, there
are some slight differences in how they are produced. The /i/ is pronounced in a slightly
higher and more forward position. In addition, there is more tension in the /i/ vowel and it is
slightly longer in duration.
To contrast the two sounds, practice saying the following pairs of words aloud:
Track 1
/i/ /I/ /i/ /I/ /i/ /I/
seen sin sheep ship eat it
seat sit feet fit bean bin
sleep slip green grin beat bit

Mid-Front Vowels
/e/
Key Word: fake Lip Position: retracted Tongue Tension: tense

a table ai paint ay day
ei weigh ey grey a_e late

/Ɛ/
Key Word: pet Lip Position: retracted Tongue Tension: lax

e red ea bread ue guest
ai said a many

While both /e/ and /Ɛ/ are categorized as mid-front vowels, the tongue height is not exactly
in the center of the mouth for either sound: /e/ is produced with the tongue slightly higher
than center while /Ɛ/ is produced with the tongue slightly lower. In addition, the two vowels
differ in the amount of tension used, with /e/ having more tension than the lax /Ɛ/.
To practice the difference between /e/ and /Ɛ/, say the following pairs of words:
Track 2
/e/ /Ɛ/ /e/ /Ɛ/ /e/ /Ɛ/
fade fed late let rake wreck
main men shade shed raid red
Now, try contrasting /e/ and /Ɛ/ with /i/ and /I/:
Track 3
/e/ /i/ /Ɛ/ /I/
sale seal sell sill
fade feed let lit
main mean head hid
hate heat set sit
mate meet met mitt

Low-Front Vowel
/æ/
Key Word: at Lip Position: retracted Tongue Tension: lax

a sad au laugh

The /æ/ vowel is the lowest of the five front vowels. Like the rest of the front vowels, the lips
are retracted and like /I/ and /Ɛ/, it is produced with little tension.
Take a moment to practice /æ/ in contrast to the other front vowels:
Track 4
/æ/ /e/ /æ/ /Ɛ/
mad made bad bed
rack rake man men
lack lake had head
/æ/ /i/ /æ/ /I/

mat meet hat hit
sat seat bat bit
fat feet sack sick

Back Vowels
High-Back Vowels

/u/
Key Word: soon Lip Position: rounded Tongue Tension: tense

u unique ui suit o_e move
wo two ue glue ou you
o to ew grew u_e flute
oo cool oe shoe

/Ʊ/
Key Word: put Lip Position: rounded Tongue Tension: lax

u pull ou should oo wood
o wolf

The high-back vowels, /u/ and /Ʊ/, are mirror images of the high-front vowels, /i/ and /I/. This
means that /u/ and /i/ are at nearly the exact same tongue height, as are /Ʊ/ and /I/. The
main difference is in tongue advancement: while /i/ and /I/ are at the extreme front of the
mouth, /u/ and /Ʊ/ are at the extreme back. Another difference is that while all of the front
vowels are pronounced with retracted lips, the lips are rounded for nearly all the back
vowels.
The differences in pronunciation between /u/ and /Ʊ/ are in tongue height and tension, with
the tongue being more lax and slightly lower in the mouth for /Ʊ/. To practice the difference,
say the following pairs of words:
Track 5
/u/ /Ʊ/ /u/ /Ʊ/ /u/ /Ʊ/
pool pull suit soot food foot
wooed wood Luke look fool full


Mid-Back Vowels

/o/
Key Word: phone Lip Position: rounded Tongue Tension: tense

o toll oa toad o_e broke
ow show ew sew ou soul

/ɔ/
Key Word: law Lip Position: rounded Tongue Tension: tense

aw saw ou thought au taught
o wrong a fall oa broad

The main difference that separates the two mid-back vowels is tongue height. Although both
/o/ and /ɔ/ are produced in the mid-back portion of the mouth, the tongue is positioned
slightly higher in the mouth during the production of /o/ and lower during the production of
/ɔ/.
Say the following pairs of words aloud to practice the difference between the two mid-back
vowels:
Track 7
/o/ /ɔ/ /o/ /ɔ/
coat caught loan lawn
low law boat bought
toll tall so saw
phone fawn tote taught

Low-Back Vowel
/ɑ/
Key Word: rob Lip Position: neutral Tongue Tension: tense

a father o mob

The /ɑ/ vowel is the lowest of the five back vowels. The lip position of /ɑ/ differs slightly from
the rest of the back vowels: while the lips are rounded for /u/, /Ʊ/, /o/, and /ɔ/, they are in a
neutral position for /ɑ/, being neither rounded nor retracted.
Use the following pairs of words to practice /ɑ/ in contrast to the other back vowels:
Track 7
/ɑ/ /u/ /ɑ/ /Ʊ/
rod rude lock look
lock Luke shock shook
/ɑ/ /o/ /ɑ/ /ɔ/

rod road rot wrought
rob robe clod clawed

Central Vowels
/ə/
Key Word: about Lip Position: neutral Tongue Tension: lax

a agree u unhappy o control
io mention

/ʌ/
Key Word: cut Lip Position: neutral Tongue Tension: lax

u mud o son oo blood
ou trouble oe does

The central vowels /ə/ and /ʌ/ are nearly identical in production: both are produced with a
neutral lip position and little tension in the tongue. There is a slight variation in placement,
with /ʌ/ being slightly lower and farther to the back. However, the main difference in how the
two are used. The /ə/ vowel is only used in unstressed syllables while /ʌ/ is used in stressed
syllables and monosyllabic words.
Take a look at the following lists of words to see the difference in how /ə/ and /ʌ/ are used:
/ə/ /ʌ/
about Monday
alone but
tuna money
unlikely run
machine button

Diphthongs
Diphthongs are produced when two vowel sounds are closely combined to make one new
sound. During the production of the diphthong, the tongue changes position, moving from
the position of the first vowel to the second. In the English language, the first position of a
diphthong is always lower than the second. The three English diphthongs are: /ɑI/, /ɑu/, and
/ɔI/.

/ɑɪ/
Key Word: by

i hi igh high i_e ride uy buy
y my ei height ye bye ai aisle

/ɑu/
Key Word: mouse

ow howl ou house

/ɔɪ/
Key Word: boy

oi boil oy royal

While all three diphthongs have a similar pattern of tongue movement (from a lower to a
higher position), they have very different lip positions. The diphthong /ɔɪ/ begins with
rounded lips and transitions to a retracted lip position. Conversely, the diphthong /ɑu/ ends
in a rounded position and begins with neutral lip positioning. The diphthong /ɑɪ/ on the other
hand, involves slight movement, shifting from a neutral position to a retracted lip position.

Say the following words, and notice the movement of your lips and tongue as you
pronounce the diphthongs:
/ɑɪ/ /ɑu/ /ɔɪ/
ride loud toy
fly cow boil
buy bow boy


R-Colored Vowels
R-colored vowels, also known as rhotic diphthongs, are produced when certain vowel
sounds are followed by the consonant sound /r/.

/ir/
Key Word: near

ear fear eer steer ir irresistible
eir weird ier fierce ere here

/er/
Key Word: hair

air flair eir their ear bear
are spare ere where

/or/
Key Word: more

ar warm or sort oar soar
oor door our tour ore core


/ɑr/
Key Word: bar

ar shark ear heart

/ɑɪr/
Key Word: liar

ire fire oir choir uire require
ier brier iar liar uyer buyer
yer flyer

Practice the r-colored vowels by saying the following words:
Track 8
/ir/ /er/ /or/ /ɑr/ /ɑɪr/

fear fair for far fire
beer bear boar bar buyer
spear spare spore spar spire
tear tear tore tar tire
pier pair pour part pyre


In this section, you’ll have the opportunity to practice the vowel sounds in words and
sentences. Let’s get started!
Track 9
he need deep green
key heat deed scream
tea neat Jeep steep
me meat lean Greek
see keep leap bleed
free beat weep brief
ski feet reef meeting
knee leaf scene people
flea feed seed reason
tree leak teal leader
eat bead veal machine
week beam three receive
seal peel steal creepy
mean beak sleep rebound
leave beef dream succeed
read cease freak previous

Track 10
1. She eats beef each week.
2. We sleep deeply in the heat.
3. The three Greeks need to meet.
4. He sees me eat meat with Steve.
5. The green tree is full of leaves.
6. She screamed at the scene with the creepy man.
7. The steep ski slope made my knee bleed.
8. We read and drink tea before we sleep.
9. Lee keeps the keys to his Jeep in the briefcase.
10. We need to see the reason she weeps.

Track 11
it build lips grip
sit did mini think
tip dip mitt flip
kid pig miss business
sick ditch nifty mister
bit fin pick until
his fish pin middle
kick fifth quit different
hit gin rich pretty
bill give rid winter
pit gym river silly
lit hid thick kitten
been him brick itchy
rip Jill thin bitter
lid knit grid little
big lick drip hippo
kill lift drift
Track 12
1. Nick hid his mitt in the ditch. 8. Mickey knits itchy mittens.
2. Give him the little pig in the middle. 9. They threw the bricks in the ditch.
3. Jill misses Kris and his kids. 10. The fish in the river are quick.
4. That little kid is silly. 11. Mister Smith builds equipment.
5. The fickle rich kid quit quickly. 12. They lift weights in the gym.
6. Lift the big pig out of the pit. 13. We ripped the lid off the bin.
7. Rick sits by the river and fishes. 14. He quit the business last winter.

Track 13
day made wake pain
say make eight race
lay same face rake
may fake fade rate
they safe fame tame
pay case fate vein
bay main gain table
gay game bait great
hey take gape grape
ray gate gaze brave
pray babe hate break
ate bake jade flake
ape came lake frame
late cane lame plane
paid cape lane crazy
name dame mate baby
rain drape maze neighbor

Track 14
1. Jake will bake a cake for his neighbor.
2. They say fake names are okay.
3. Jane was late for the game the same day.
4. The baby ape tried to escape from his cage.
5. He paid for the bait, then came to the lake.
6. Dave hates lame games and tame dames.
7. We play crazy eights late in the day.
8. He stayed on the plane at the gate while it rained.
9. Kate ate the great cake that Ray made.
10. Take the fake jade and place it on the table.

Track 15
met well help better
pen let kept many
said bell left never
men fed lend ready
red bet neck member
wet bread peck yellow
yell credit friend jelly
set deaf bled heaven
dead death guest pepper
tell den next metal
get end send jester
head gel sex gecko
sell hell trek mellow
led deck wreck temp
Track 16
1. Ed read The Jester’s Quest.
2. I said my guest could rest in the bed.
3. Tell Ben to get bread and pepper at the market.
4. It will get better next February.
5. Never extend credit to a friend.
6. Fred gets jealous when Ellen helps his friend.
7. Ted spread ketchup on the bread.
8. The yellow petals are better than the red.
9. Get ready to tell them about the celebration.
10. I fed my pet gecko a heavenly blend of insects.

Track 17
at pad apple snack
had ham back snap
fat pal ban tack
man pan clap tank
tap jam flag thank
bad lack grab track
sat cap grand trap
mat rat gather happy
dad sad hand family
mad cat lamp candy
ran fan laugh rabbit
has nag match rally
hat sag pack ladder
map nap rack married
jab bat raft wrap
rag and slap

Track 18
1. Dan ran after the fast man.
2. Sam had a jam sandwich for a snack.
3. The man’s fans clapped their hands.
4. Mack lacks a grand plan.
5. My dad had a ladder in the back yard.
6. Stan trapped the cat and brought it back.
7. We had the canned ham in the pan.
8. Jan grabbed her bag and ran from the van.
9. The fat cat sat on the mat.
10. Jack laughed at his sad pal.

Track 19
do brew crude ruby
to move fluke scoop
few noon flute screw
who rude food shoot
you June fool soothe
new boot glue stew
zoo cool goose stool
knew mood moon stoop
shoe pool mute sued
chew booth plume threw
flew broom roof through
flu choose room Tuesday
drew tooth root ruthless

Track 20
1. Sue drew a kangaroo for you.
2. The goose flew to the roof and wouldn’t move.
3. He consumed the stew and chewed his food.
4. The new student had cool used boots.
5. He used the broom to clean the room.
6. The moon in June is huge and new.
7. Luke moved the stool to the new room.
8. Whose shoes did Drew choose?
9. He fumed and stewed while in a rude mood.
10. Boone will shoot the moose soon.


Track 21
book bush wool
good full soot
took hood woman
put nook cushion
cook pull bullet
foot push pudding
would rook bulletin
look shook crook
could should butcher
bull stood bully
brook wolf bushel
hook wood

Track 22
1. He took a look at the book.
2. I should put the hood on the hook.
3. She cooks pudding with sugar.
4. Could you put the book in the wooden nook?
5. The cushion looked crooked.
6. Push and pull the bushel of wool.
7. He put a bullet in the wolf’s foot in the woods
8. We stood in the brook and shook.
9. Brooke looked good in her hood.
10. The bully pushed him and took his books.

Track 23
no road cold moan
so hope foam mold
toe boat clothes poke
row coat code post
know soap roam probe
sew old dough roach
mow hole float robe
blow nose fold Rome
flow bold ghost scold
glow rope gold soda
snow bone groan sold
note roll grow stove
home bowl hose vote
phone close host won’t
joke hold load wrote

Track 24
1. The ghost moans and floats through our home.
2. The bowl of dough is on the stove.
3. Moe hopes it snows in November.
4. We boldly row the boat as the river flows.
5. Joe knows how to sew his clothes.
6. There’s gold in the hole by the old hotel.
7. Lois wrote the note as a joke.
8. Close your coat; it’s cold in the snow!
9. We go down the road toting a load.

10. Joan sold her home to a man in Rome.

Track 25
law long fault vault
paw caught gloss brawl
saw fall lawn often
raw lost mall coffee
draw bald wrong awful
all fought ought auto
off ball pawn August
call bought Paul daughter
talk thought sauce faucet
boss broad soft autumn
wall cloth tall foster
dog cough gawk awesome
hall fawn taught naughty
walk floss stalk

Track 26
1. Maude saw that the dog caught the ball.
2. Maude coughed into the soft cloth.
3. They caught my daughter who fought the law.
4. The wall in the hall is glossy and long.
5. All fall I thought I ought to talk to Paul.
6. I fought with my awful boss often.
7. Saul is bald, tall, and haughty.
8. There’s a fawn on our lawn every autumn.
9. I thought the sauce was salty and the meat was raw.
10. He coughed and thought he ought to call the doctor.

Track 27
not doll problem
job rod model
lot cot bother
lock fox body
rock stock taco
got want monster
hot block novel
top shop bottle
cop shot bottom
mob bomb father
God dodge mom
rot palm toddler
sock pond dominate
calm solve lottery
box stop wand
knot doctor

Track 28
1. The doctor and cop play dominoes on the dock.
2. Put the rocks and socks at the bottom of the box.
3. Scott tied a knot at the top and the bottom.
4. My mom solves problems by shopping.
5. Calm down; the monster is not going to bother you.
6. Bob shot the fox as it dodged through the rocks.
7. Don wants the palm trees at the pond
8. The toddler wants a doll and lollipop.
9. I got a job building bombs for the mob.
10. Tom has a problem staying calm.

Track 29
of mug dust stuck

up rum flood thumb
was gun glove trunk
cut bud hung money
run love junk cover
rug rough luck trouble
son bun mud Monday
does club mutt study
but cuff plum button
gum must puck puppy
fun much rut ugly
cup rush shove muffin
nut blood shut uncle
rub drunk slum under
dumb duck such lumber

Track 30
1. Chuck rubbed mud on his glove.
2. The button on the cuff is stuck.
3. He hung the gun under the cupboard.
4. Sunday was fun, but Monday was rough.
5. My son must study before he does fun stuff.
6. The dumb monkey rushed to pluck the duck.
7. Money is much better than luck or love.
8. I must rush and run to the club.
9. My ugly uncle brought gum, fudge, and muffins.
10. It’s tons of fun to cut a rug.

Track 31
ago award obscure accomplish
compare away obsess tradition
arrive balloon parade abandon
support Brazil parental suspend
attach cologne patrol another
control combine peanut apartment
adult command polite occasion
alone company safari attorney
comply condemn salute relevant
about contain subdue proposal
account direct tuna essential
achieve enemy official photograph
across handsome suppose domestic
adjust ketchup undone mechanical
around machine communicate rearrange
attack material commercial mundane
awake unlikely necessity unhappy

Track 32
1. We arrived at the apartment with balloons.
2. He politely communicated his proposal to the attorney.
3. She mentioned her problem to the mechanic.
4. An official parade is essential to celebrate the occasion.
5. Tuna, salami, and peanut butter sandwiches are provided.
6. The conductor directed us to the official compartment.
7. It’s essential to mention the condition of the machine.
8. Combine and rearrange the material again.
9. The Brazilian giraffe has another parasite.
10. He obsessively photographed the parade.

Track 33
eye line hide pride
buy sky size pry
tie try wise rhyme
dye fly bide shine
rye dry ply wind
pie sign bride smile
lie time child tiny
my five chime bribe
high ride climb July
guy mine dine wi-fi
cry dive file wine
hive fine drive alive
shy dime kind dial
sigh side lime arrive
died live mile final
fry rise pine apply

Track 34
1. We fly to Ohio on Friday. 8. The sun shines on the pine tree.
2. The child jumped off the high dive. 9. My son is kind and never lies.
3. That guy seems quiet and shy. 10. I cried at the final scene.
4. The child climbed the high fence. 11. The bride’s eyes were shining.
5. Try to arrive on time. 12. Sign the paper and file it.
6. He sighed and signed the papers. 13. I drive to work on Fridays.
7. The tiny bird will try to fly. 14. The shy girl hides her smile.

Track 35
cow proud howl south
how bounce browse towel
now bout cloud shower
wow found crown lousy
bow crowd pound clout
chow sound drown bound
plow mouth frown pounce
down doubt hound tout
house shout howdy rowdy
town brow loud
noun brown mound
pout mouse round

Track 36
1. The mouse made a loud squeaky sound.
2. I’m bringing my new beach towel to Maui.
3. Let’s go to town to chow down on some barbecue.
4. How do birds know when to fly south?
5. I scrounged around under my sofa and found some money.
6. The rowdy cowboys shouted “Howdy!” to everyone they met.
7. The sound of the jousting match was drowned out by the crowd.
8. The rain pounded down from the clouds.
9. The kids counted down the minutes until the lousy clown was done.
10. The brown dog howls at the pound.

Track 37
toy boil loin

joy cloy broil
oil coil enjoy
Roy joint annoy
coy loyal avoid
boy moist destroy
soy ploy employ
coin poi poison
foil point rejoice
voice royal oyster
oink spoil loiter
soil poise devoid
choice toil deploy
noise hoist android

Track 38
1. I avoid my annoying friend. 9. He enjoys collecting coins.
2. Boiled meat doesn’t spoil. 10. The pig oinked joyfully.
3. We enjoy moist cake. 11. Roy toils to finish his work.
4. Her voice was devoid of joy. 12. He pointed to his first choice.
5. I think the oysters were poisoned. 13. Flowers grew in the moist soil.
6. The royal family is very poised. 14. The soy burger was wrapped in foil.
7. We employ a loyal staff. 15. The angry child destroyed the toys.
8. Those boys are so noisy! 16. The puppy is loyal but annoying.

Track 39
ear jeer pierce
year leer sneer
hear sheer sphere
near veer dreary
beer seer career
dear cheer sincere
fear smear revere
tear clear severe
rear steer eerie
gear fierce bleary
mere beard veneer
peer weird adhere
queer spear

Track 40
1. They pierced the sheer fabric. 9. They jeered at the weird boy.
2. The man with the beard is sincere. 10. He changed gears as he steered.
3. It’s clear they revere their parents. 11. I’m going to get my ears pierced.
4. I fear today will be dreary. 12. She is cheerful with her peers.
5. She smeared grease on the gears. 13. She saw a deer and veered left.
6. He speared the fierce monster. 14. She held the phone near her ear.
7. She has clear career goals. 15. It has been a dreary year.
8. They drink beer out on the pier. 16. I can’t hear you clearly.


Track 41
air mare swear
bear pear snare
care share dairy
where scare aware
blare chair compare
dare square repair
tear flare despair
fair Claire impair
hair glare prairie
there prayer affair
rare spare declare
lair stare pair

Track 42
1. Blaire says she doesn’t care. 9. Their son glared angrily.
2. The scared boy said a prayer. 10. She swears she’ll repair the car.
3. They dared her to cut her hair. 11. They compared the two chairs.
4. We all stared at the rare bird. 12. They’re aware of the problem.
5. The mare ran across the prairie. 13. Where is the spare tire?
6. She was unaware he had an affair. 14. The bear scared the campers.
7. Claire can’t eat dairy. 15. We need to repair the square table.
8. Can we share the last pear? 16. Put the chair over there.


Track 43
or floor dork morph
for shore lord mourn
more cord dorm orb
poor gore horse pork
war fork ford stork
door force storm sword
tore sort fourth torch
core warm horn ward
roar bored north warn
bore born forge shorn
sore chore porch coral
nor coarse hoard warp
store cork lore

Track 44
1. The poor girl’s clothes were torn. 9. The dorm had three floors.
2. There were four men with swords. 10. The storm blew in from the north.
3. He used force to close the door. 11. The war tore the country apart.
4. He dropped his fork on the floor. 12. He rode his horse along the shore.
5. Pull the cork and pour the wine. 13. I sit on the porch when it’s warm.
6. Do your chores before you play. 14. He was born on the fourth of July.
7. Morton is sore from riding his horse. 15. The lion roared a warning.
8. We can’t afford that Porsche. 16. They bought pork at the store.

Track 45
are park cart march
far hard char mark
bar yarn shark marsh
car card charge parch
jar dark charm carp
tar part barge scarf
mar heart darn shard
par dart farce sharp
star farm guard sparse
scar yard hark starch
spar bark harp stark
art barn harsh start
arch harm lard tarp
arm Bart large tart
arc Carl lark chart
Track 46
1. He filled the cart with bars of gold. 8. They play in the yard after dark.
2. The farm has a huge yard. 9. It’s hard to start the car.
3. The apple was tart and too hard. 10. The army marched far away.
4. The movie star had a scar. 11. The stars shine in the dark.
5. The shark’s teeth are long and sharp. 12. She used yarn to make the scarf.
6. Bart plays cards well. 13. The dog barks by the barn.
7. They charged too much for the car. 14. Mark plays darts at the bar.


Track 47
fire higher pyre
liar hire dryer
buyer crier mire
tire brier dire
choir spire require
flyer pliers fryer
Track 48
1. My little brother is a liar.
2. There was a fire in the basement.
3. The old car had a flat tire.
4. They put the chicken in the fryer.
5. The choir sings beautiful songs.
6. They found a buyer for the product.
7. Our boss hired a new employee
8. He used pliers to fix the sink.
9. The rabbit ran through the briar patch.
10. Those classes are required to graduate

(unstressed –er)
Track 49
over winter boxer louder
ever taller brother outer
other summer butter painter
center soccer clover player
inner writer dagger shorter
actor older dancer smoker
enter river driver stranger
never owner farther mutter
sister rather feather thinner
dinner singer fiber beaver
closer mother higher bicker
matter colder hitter blister
anger monster hunger chowder
corner batter killer flutter
father faster leather rudder
danger fatter liver shiver
bother bitter locker suitor

Track 50

1. Winter is colder than summer. 11. The food is bitter but full of fiber.
2. My grandmother is a singer. 12. Her older brother is a writer.
3. The feather pillow is warmer. 13. The feather pillow is in the corner.
4. The boxer put his gloves in a locker. 14. It doesn’t matter who’s better.
5. The doctor checked his liver. 15. The soccer player is in the center.
6. My father loves leather coats. 16. I’ve never eaten a burger.
7. They bicker over who’s right. 17. The stranger moved closer.
8. The actor and painter are at dinner. 18. My father says not to mutter.
9. His sister is afraid of the monster. 19. Does your sister ever bother you?
10. A smoker often gets cancer. 20. The dancer’s shoes are in a locker.


(stressed –er)

Track 51
her perk circus perky
fur heard birthday purchase
sir purse surely rural
work chirp permit (noun) sterling
word earth curdle surefire
turn early further plural
hurt circle girlfriend surfboard
first certain turnip furniture
learn jury hurdle merchandise
worst purple journey tournament
burn journal thirsty turpentine
dirt turtle murder alternative
blur turkey perfect (adj) worship

Track 52
1. He took his girlfriend to the circus.
2. Myrtle has a sterling silver necklace.
3. The rural town is further away.
4. They purchased all of the merchandise.
5. It’s hard to draw a perfect circle.
6. They served turkey and turnips for lunch.
7. She got a purple surfboard for her birthday.
8. The jury found the murderer guilty.
9. Herb was thirsty after his long journey.
10. The work permit is perfectly legal.
56 Chapter 3: Consonants

Chapter 3: Consonants 57

Your Guide to Pronouncing English

Consonants

Key Words Personal Key Words Spelling
IPA Symbol
Initial Sound Final Sound Initial Sound Final Sound Variations
/p/ paint cop p, pp
/b/ bar rob b, bb
/t/ tell sit t, tt
/d/ drum mad d, dd
/k/ kill desk k, ck, ch, c, q
/g/ gun bug g, gg
/m/ man ham m, mm, mn
/n/ next spoon n, gn. kn, nn
/ŋ/ X ring ng, n
/f/ free half f, ff, ph
/v/ vote love v, f
/Ɵ/ think health th
/ð/ this breathe th
/s/ sell class s, ss, c
/z/ zebra jazz z, s, x
/ʃ/ ship crash sh, c, ch
/Ʒ/ X massage z, s, ge
/ʧ/ cheat catch ch, c, tu, tch
/ʤ/ jump page dg, g, d, j
/h/ hat X h
/r/ run X r, w
/j/ you X y, u, eu, li
/l/ look hill l, ll
/w/ will X w, wh
X= Sound does not occur in the English language

What is a Consonant?
Consonants are produced by blocking air at some point as it travels from the lungs through
the mouth. Consonants are categorized by three major features: place of articulation,
manner of articulation, and voicing.
Place of Articulation
The place of articulation for a consonant describes where the air is blocked or restricted as it
flows through the vocal system. The parts of the mouth and neck that can be used for this
restriction or blockage are called articulators: the lips, teeth, tongue, alveolar ridge, hard
palate, and soft palate. Look at the drawing below to get an idea of where each articulator is
located:
Places of articulation can be divided into the following categories:
Bilabial: consonants pronounced with the two lips. When producing bilabial consonants, the
lips may either be pressed together (as in /m/) or rounded (as in /w/).
Bilabial Consonants: /m/, /p/, /b/, /w/
Practice Sentence: Baby and mom want to pop the bubble.
Labiodental: consonants produced with the lips and teeth. While producing a labiodental
consonant, the upper teeth are pressed against the lower lip.
Labiodental Consonants: /f/, /v/
Practice Sentence: Fill the vat full of vinegar.
Linguadental: consonants produced using the tongue and teeth. The tip of the tongue
protrudes between the upper and lower teeth during the production of linguadental
consonants.
Linguadental Consonants: /ð/, /Ɵ/
Practice Sentence: Think this through thoroughly by Thursday.

Alveolar: consonants pronounced by touching the tip of the tongue to the alveolar ridge (the
hard bump directly behind your upper teeth).
Alveolar Consonants: /t/, /d/, /n/, /s/, /z/, /l/
Practice Sentence: Dad didn’t sell Tad’s size twelve slacks.
Postalveolar: consonants produced with the tongue touching the sides of the teeth as well
as the roof of the mouth, slightly further back than the alveolar ridge.
Postalveolar Consonants: /r/, /ʃ/, /Ʒ/, /ʧ/, /ʤ/
Practice Sentence: Josh rushes to jump on the chair.
Palatal: consonants pronounced with the tongue touching the hard palate
Palatal Consonant: /j/
Practice Sentence: Your yak yells in the yard.
Velar: consonants produced using the back of the tongue and the soft palate
Velar Consonants: /k/, /g/, /ŋ/
Practice Sentence: The king’s gold keg is getting cold.
Glottal: consonants produced by slightly restricting air at the level of the vocal chords
Glottal Consonant: /h/
Practice Sentence: He has happy, hairy hogs.
Manner of Articulation
All English consonants are created by restricting or blocking airflow from the lungs. The
manner of articulation describes how the air is blocked or restricted as it flows through the
vocal system. Manner of articulation can be broken down into the following categories:
Stops: When producing a stop consonant, the airflow is briefly blocked by the articulators
and then released. Which articulators are involved in stopping the airflow depends on the
place of articulation. For example, the bilabial consonant /p/ briefly stops the flow of air at
the level of the lips. The velar consonant /k/ on the other hand, stops the flow of air with the
meeting of the back of the tongue and the soft palate.
Stops: /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/
Practice Sentence: Pat’s daddy got a bad goat.

Fricatives: Fricative consonants are produced by restricting airflow, forcing it through a

small opening formed by the articulators. As with stop consonants, which articulators are
involved in the restriction of the airflow depend on the place of articulation. Unlike stop
consonants, the airflow is never blocked completely while producing fricative consonants.
Fricatives: /f/, /v/, /s/, /z/, /Ɵ/, /ð/, /ʃ/, /Ʒ/
Practice Sentence: Val’s fifth flash shows fizz.
Affricates: Affricates are produced by combining a stop and fricative to make a single
consonant sound.
Affricates: /ʧ/, /ʤ/
Practice Sentence: Chad just chooses juice in January.

Nasals: Nasals are consonants that are produced by redirecting airflow through the nose
rather than the mouth. To see first-hand how sound is produced through the nose, try saying
“mmmmm” and pinching your nose shut halfway through—you’ll notice that the sound is
impossible to produce without air flowing from your nose.
Nasals: /m/, /n/, /ŋ/
Practice Sentence: Mommy and Nancy sing mean songs.

Approximants: When producing approximates, the vocal tract is constricted very slightly,
allowing air to flow with little resistance. As there is little audible restriction of air, such as in
vowels, approximants are often referred to as “semivowels”.
Approximants: /r/, /l/, /w/, /j/
Practice Sentence: Roy will yell, “War!”
Voicing
Voicing refers to whether sound is simply produced by restriction of air or if the vocal chords
are utilized as well. To get a better idea of how voicing works, put your hand on your throat
and say “sssss”. Now, keeping your hand on your throat, say “zzzzzzz”. You should have felt
vibration in your throat while pronouncing the /z/, but nothing at all while pronouncing the /s/.
This is because /s/ is an unvoiced consonant, with sound being produced solely by the
constriction of air, while /z/ also uses the vocal chords to produce sound.
Voiced Consonants: /b/, /d/, /g/, /m/, /n/, /ŋ/, /v/, /ð/, /z/, /Ʒ/, /ʤ/, /j/, /r/, /l/, /w/
Unvoiced Consonants: /p/, /t/, /k/, /f/, /Ɵ/, /s/, /ʃ/, /ʧ/, /h/

The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Chart

The properties of place, manner, and voicing of consonants are summarized in the IPA
chart. You will find place of articulation across the top of the chart, voicing directly
underneath (UV=unvoiced; V=voiced), and manner of articulation down the left side of the
chart. You may find it helpful to refer to this chart as your practice pronouncing the
consonants.
Bilabial Labiodental Linguadenta Alveolar Postalveolar Palatal Velar Glottal

l
UV V UV V UV V UV V UV V UV V UV V UV V
Stop p b t d
Nasal m n ŋ
Fricative f v Ɵ ð s z ʃ Ʒ h
Approximant w r l j
Affricate tʃ dƷ
/p/
Place of articulation: bilabial Manner of articulation: stop Voicing: unvoiced
Spelling variations: p person pp happy
/b/
Place of articulation: bilabial Manner of articulation: stop Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: b bill bb rubber
Practice- Say the following pairs of words to feel the difference between /p/ and /b/:
pat bat cap cab pan ban slap slab
pill bill pack back rip rib rope robe

/t/
Place of articulation: alveolar Manner of articulation: stop Voicing: unvoiced
Spelling variations: t tree tt kitten

/d/
Place of articulation: alveolar Manner of articulation: stop Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: d dance dd address
Practice- Say the following pairs of words to feel the difference between /t/ and /d/:
bid bit dank tank fad fat sad sat
dip tip mad mat Dan tan do to

/k/
Place of articulation: velar Manner of articulation: stop Voicing: unvoiced
Spelling variations: k key ck smack
ch chaos c car qu quiet

/g/
Place of articulation: velar Manner of articulation: stop Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: g go gg egg gh ghost
Practice- Say the following pairs of words to feel the difference between /k/ and /g/:
coat goat tack tag back bag coast ghost
kill gill come gum cool ghoul cap gap
/m/
Place of articulation: bilabial Manner of articulation: nasal Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: m camp mm hammer mn autumn

/n/
Place of articulation: alveolar Manner of articulation: nasal Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: n nut nn manner kn know gn campaign

Practice- Say the following pairs of words to feel the difference between /k/ and /g/:
ram ran moon noon rum run dumb done
map nap gum gun moat note foam phone
/ŋ/
Place of articulation: velar Manner of articulation: nasal Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: ng sing

Practice- Say the following pairs of words to feel the difference between /n/ and /ŋ/:
thin thing kin king ban bang
sin sing ran rang lawn long

/f/
Place of articulation: labiodental Manner of articulation: fricative Voicing: unvoiced
Spelling variations: f feel ph phone ff effort gh laugh

/v/
Place of articulation: labiodental Manner of articulation: fricative Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: v dive f of

Practice- Say the following pairs of words to feel the difference between /f/ and /v/:
fan van file vile friend vend
float vote fine vine fail veil
/Ɵ/
Place of articulation: linguadental Manner of articulation: fricative Voicing: unvoiced
Spelling variations: th throw

/ð/
Place of articulation: linguadental Manner of articulation: fricative Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: th that

Practice- Say the following pairs of words to feel the difference between /Ɵ/ and /ð/:
thick this thigh they thing other
throw though thirty father thin these
Now try comparing /Ɵ/ and /ð/ with these other sounds:
/Ɵ/ /t/ /ð/ /d/ /Ɵ/ /s/
three tree they day thick sick
thought taught though dough thin sin
path pat there dare bath bass

/s/
Place of articulation: alveolar Manner of articulation: fricative Voicing: unvoiced
Spelling variations: s sit ss cross ce race

/z/
Place of articulation: alveolar Manner of articulation: fricative Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: z zero s has x xylophone

Practice- Say the following pairs of words to feel the difference between /s/ and /z/:
Sue zoo pass has sip zip
this is kiss fizz sewn zone
/ʃ/
Place of articulation: postalveolar Manner of articulation: fricative Voicing: unvoiced
Spelling variations: sh shirt s sure

/Ʒ/
Place of articulation: postalveolar Manner of articulation: fricative Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: s vision z seizure ge massage

/ʧ/
Place of articulation: postalveolar Manner of articulation: affricate Voicing: unvoiced
Spelling variations: ch child tch match tu mature

/ʤ/
Place of articulation: poastalveolar Manner of articulation: affricate Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: dg dodge ge age j jelly
Practice- Say the following words to feel the difference between /ʤ/ /ʧ/ and /ʃ/:
/ʃ/ /ʧ/ /ʧ/ /ʤ/
mash match cheap Jeep
cash catch chunk junk
shoes choose chin gin

/h/
Place of articulation: glottal Manner of articulation: fricative Voicing: unvoiced
Spelling variations: h hello

/r/
Place of articulation: alveolar Manner of articulation: approximant Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: r rest wr write

/l/
Place of articulation: alveolar Manner of articulation: approximant Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: l luck ll will
/w/
Place of articulation: bilabial Manner of articulation: approximant Voicing: voiced
Spelling variations: w win wh whip
Practice- Say the following pairs of words to feel the difference between /r/ /l/ and /w/:
Rick lick wick rip lip whip
rink link wink lake rake wake
/j/
Place of articulation: palatal Manner of articulation: approximant Voicing:
voiced
Spelling variations: y young u unique eu euphoric

Practice- Say the following pairs of words to compare /j/ with /ʤ/:
yell gel yellow Jello
use juice Yale jail


In this section, you’ll have the opportunity to practice the consonant sounds in words and
sentences. Let’s get started!
Track 53
Initial Sound- pick Final Sound- dope
put pour up rope
pea pill map heap
pan pink hop reap
pack pole rip stop
pull pot soup slap
pop pout keep flip
pin pod cop clap
pet push cup flop
post picky deep slip
poor paper dip chip
pants pony cope skip
poke posh hip sleep
papa parent hoop snip
path puppy hope slope
pen potato pup peep

Track 54
Initial Sound Final Sound
1. Pete put the popcorn in the pot. 1. Keep the soup in the cup.
2. Paula picked the potatoes. 2. Wrap the map up.
3. We played ping pong with Pam. 3. Don’t drop the cup in the heap.
4. The pink pants are in the package. 4. They skip rope and play hop-scotch.
5. Pour the purple pills in the pan. 5. Drop the rope down the slope.

Track 55
Initial Sound- bone Final Sound- robe
buy book web dab
big boot rub fib
back bowl bib knob
beg bug tab stab
bear but bob club
ball both cab crab
bad burn rib slob
bag beard cub flab
ban bald gab slab
bar bought hub swab
bark before jab blob
bath become job grub
bead boring lab blab
bean bitter mob scrub
beat because nab drab
bird building pub throb
bite business lob shrub
boat bicycle rob

Track 56
1. The boy begged for a bicycle. 1. We gab in the cab.
2. Both businesses bought buildings. 2. The club and pub are full of grub.
3. Bill battled the bear. 3. A slob doesn’t scrub or swab.
4. Betty buys boring books. 4. Bob wears a drab robe.
5. Beth bakes with beans and butter. 5. We blab a fib to the mob


Track 57
Initial Sound- tar Final Sound- sat
to taste put lit
tea teach bat feet
take team hot bite
toe tear but boat
top teen lot light
tell teeth cat bought
took tan hit fight
tap toad fat foot
talk tone sit kite
tab tooth pot meet
tape tough heat neat
tip tour mat pat
tall tomb seat rot
toss toot rat chat
tub tease coat street
tack tuck fit suit
tube teal beat taught
tad tune bit that
tame tin cut wrote

Track 58
1. We tossed the toad into the tub. 1. Matt bought a new suit.
2. Take the tape and give it to Ted. 2. The boot did not fit my foot.
3. We talked about touring Thailand. 3. They met on the street to fight.
4. The turkey tastes too tough. 4. They cut the fat from the meat.
5. Tell Todd to drink the tea. 5. We put our feet up on the seat.


Track 59
Initial Sound- dim Final Sound- red
do dip bad cod
dad doom road dude
dark dock had rod
deck deal nod could
dab done bead rude
duck door bed sad
dance dot fed freed
dare deem feed seed
date dirt food sued
dead debt head tad
dig dish mad Ted
deaf death mood wad
dear depth need nude
deed duke pad hood
deep dune pod should
did dinner read wood

Track 60
1. Dan dances delightfully. 1. We need some food for the road.
2. Do you date during the week? 2. Ed was so mad, his face turned red.
3. We dealt the deck of cards. 3. The seed will need some sun.
4. The dock is in the deep, dark water. 4. We should pad the bed.
5. My dad is deaf in one ear. 5. We could feed Ted cod.
6. We had duck for dinner. 6. He had a hood on his head.


Track 61
Initial Sound- cook Final Sound- sick
key cope back soak
cow kill cake sock
cat care Coke folk
cup kind tack speak
keep card fake mock
cut cough lack spook
can could lake clock
kid color make flake
cool coffee poke fluke
kiss cover rack smoke
cap carry rake black
kick carrot take block
come kitten rock magic
cone continue sack revoke

Track 62
1. Kathy cuddled the kitten. 1. Go back one block and speak to Rick.
2. Cover the carrots Carl cooked. 2. Mack will bake a cake.
3. Keep the keys away from the kids. 3. Don’t peek in the sack.
4. Kip carries the cans to the cupboard. 4. Put the pack on your back and walk.
5. Come to the café for a cup of coffee. 5. He went to the lake to take a break.
6. Kerry continues to comfort Carrie. 6. Take back the magic rock.
7. Kill the cockroach in the kitchen. 7. That truck will block the sidewalk.
8. The car is coming around the curve. 8. Don’t mock Jack; he’s sick.

Track 63
Initial Sound- goose Final Sound- lag
go gap big log
guy gag leg mug
good ghost rug nag
get gang bag pig
god guide hug plug
gave guard beg rag
gun guess dig bog
gum garden dog clog
gate gather drag brag
goal giggle drug sag
game guilty egg smog
give gamble flag hotdog
gear gadget fog ladybug
gold gallery frog nutmeg
gain galaxy gag catalogue
girl hog smug

Track 64
1. The guys gathered to play a game. 1. Don’t nag and beg.
2. The goats are in the garden. 2. The frog will snag the bug.
3. Give the gift to the gorgeous girl. 3. Meg had an egg and a hotdog.
4. The ghosts and ghouls are gone. 4. The pug is snug sitting on the rug.
5. Garth gagged on his gum. 5. Craig ordered from the catalogue.
6. Gabe gabs with the girl. 6. The big pig sits in the bog.
7. The guy with the gun is guilty. 7. Greg is smug and loves to brag.
8. The girls gossip and giggle. 8. The dog dug a hole in the rug.


Track 65
Initial Sound- more Final Sound- foam
mad mouse him gloom
move mend time gum
make money game mom
mud model come ham
man mirror same jam
many middle room lamb
mom marry some lame
map movie seem loom
match monkey calm ram
maid magic name rim
meet murder beam roam
men modern bomb rum
mouth moody home plum
might memory came scream
mix mansion dim brim
moon maximum doom become
moose mundane fame redeem

Track 66
1. Mike might move to Mexico. 1. Sam wants some ham and rum.
2. My mom mends men’s clothes. 2. They scream at the same time.
3. Does Mary make much money? 3. Jim came home with some gum.
4. Moody men make me mad. 4. The lame lamb cannot roam.
5. The magic mirror is in the middle. 5. The game became glum.
6. The men in the mall murdered Max. 6. It’s dim in the calm room.
7. Mitch and Marie met at the movies. 7. We claim the same dumb chum.
8. Mack meant to marry a model. 8. The name of the tame dame is Kim.


Track 67
Initial Sound- nod Final Sound- fan
no noon in gun
new nose can lawn
now knit one lean
nine north ran line
need next pen tan
near notice man loan
nap never fun main
name nobody when moon
none nothing sun pin
knee normal ban rain
note nowhere soon run
knife number been scene
knock naked phone sin
knot napkin gone thin
know nation mean spin
nail nifty pain spoon
neat necklace done train
neck nickel sign motion
Track 68
1. Nick needs a knife now. 1. Jon ran to the train at noon.
2. We know no one is nearby. 2. The raccoon is in the main cabin.
3. It’s normal to nap at noon. 3. Ben will loan a pen to Ron.
4. He knew the number on the napkin. 4. He has seen the sun and moon.
5. I noticed Nora’s new necklace. 5. Will the plane run in the rain?
6. Does Nancy know Norm’s number? 6. One gun was at the scene.
7. No one knows her name. 7. Jon saw the sun at dawn.
8. We noticed the newt and nodded. 8. Can Dan phone Ben soon?

Track 69
bang ping sung fang
wrong rang fling strong
young ring pang clang
bring rung swing strung
thing sang swung belong
sing hung thong along
hang gang flung among
king sting wing wring
long string dung wrung
song stung cling zing
Track 70
1. If you swing the door, it will bang. 9. The strong monkey will swing.
2. The king is being difficult. 10. They are doing the wrong thing.
3. We play ping-pong all day long. 11. The bird’s song rang in the trees.
4. That gang is so young. 12. Tie the string to the Ming vase.
5. It is wrong to fling dung. 13. The bee stung the king.
6. She has rings on her fingers. 14. Jane sang a pretty song.
7. The tiger’s fang was long. 15. The strong man swung the hammer.
8. They will sing for a long time.

working calling sweeping creating

putting opening feeding marketing
going closing turning performing
eating covering looking networking
seeing pouring making upsetting
smelling raining watching e-mailing
reading filling rolling attending
staying sleeping zipping receiving
letting kicking telling alarming
touching playing saying progressing
hoping smiling faxing notifying
giving crying cheating organizing
taking cleaning holding plugging
sitting working meeting covering
writing dreading dealing handling
showing washing sending conducting
1. They are meeting in the conference room.

2. She is sending the e-mail right now.
3. We should be closing the deal soon.
4. Roy and Bob are working through the weekend.
5. I’m hoping for a raise this year.
6. The administration is reorganizing the department.
7. Sarah said she’ll be attending the workshop.
8. They’re holding the conference in Detroit.
9. He’s making a new pot of coffee.
10. How are they marketing the new product.
11. They’re promoting Amy next week.
12. We’ve been dropping too many clients.
13. I’m dreading this assignment.
14. Our numbers have been falling sharply this quarter.
15. She’s contacting all of the team members by phone.

Track 71
Initial Sound- fire Final Sound- laugh
fat phone off poof
face fall if proof
fun farm beef reef
food fast wife riff
fill few leaf rough
fake fatal roof sniff
feet fault deaf staff
fact fancy safe stiff
fell fence chief thief
far fight calf tough
file film cuff knife
fear faith cough giraffe
fish final goof enough
fade football graph belief
fork forgive grief chef
fail form half stuff
fair former hoof bluff
Track 72
1. The fight was fast and furious. 1. The giraffe ate the leaf.
2. Phil’s fall wasn’t fatal. 2. The thief is safe on the roof.
3. This food is full of fat. 3. Don’t laugh at my wife!
4. I forgot to film the show. 4. The calf hurt its hoof.
5. The football player fell on the field. 5. One graph is enough.
6. The fancy car goes fast. 6. This beef is really tough.
7. The fence is four feet tall. 7. The chef has a great knife.
8. The farm is far away. 8. If you cough, cover your mouth.


Track 73
Initial Sound- veil Final Sound- heave
vain vacuum eve grove
vow vomit give sieve
vest valuable move above
view venue live forgive
vote vanilla have active
vent verdict love alive
voice version glove captive
verb video cave deceive
very villain pave excessive
veal vinyl dive exclusive
valid victory slave executive
vague vegetable brave impressive
vision violet drove incentive
veto vacation rave disapprove
vast variety prove
virus volunteer shove
Track 74
1. Everyone voted on the verdict. 1. Give me the glove.
2. The vampire video scared Veronica. 2. The brave captive is over there.
3. Her versatile voice is velvety. 3. We have an impressive grove.
4. We view the volcano in the valley. 4. They give exclusive parties.
5. Valerie plays a violet violin. 5. The brave man was held captive.
6. Vegetables make Vicky vomit. 6. We drove the executive home.
7. The villain in the movie is violent. 7. Please don’t shove the slave.
8. Victor went to Venice on vacation. 8. They disapprove when you deceive.


Track 75
Initial Sound- thigh Final Sound- faith
thing thank you bath earth
thumb thatch with booth
theme thump eighth growth
thick thirteen teeth health
thief thirty both moth
thin theft path north
think theory Beth south
third thousand math truth
thorn thunder birth worth
thought Thursday mouth myth
thud Thanksgiving tooth wrath
thaw death wreath
theater youth beneath
thirsty cloth girth
Track 76
1. A Thermos is good for thirst. 1. Beth takes a bath with bubbles.
2. Thirteen thorns are on the flower. 2. The wreath is beneath the bed.
3. We thought she said “thank you.” 3. All the teeth in her mouth hurt.
4. He will turn thirty on Thursday. 4. The path goes north and south.
5. The thief hid in the theater. 5. Ruth is terrible at math.
6. He thinks her thighs are too thin. 6. Can we both fit in the booth?
7. The thunder caused a thud. 7. The fountain of youth is a myth.
8. She put the thimble on her thumb. 8. The truth is worth more than gold.


Track 77
Initial Sound Middle Sound
than other together
those gather weather
that bother worthy
they father smother
this brother Heather
the feather
their mother Final Sound
them leather with
then neither smooth
there rather bathe
these another breathe
though although clothe
thus rhythm teethe
northern loathe
southern writhe
Track 78
1. This clothing is beautiful. 9. Heather is from a southern town.
2. My brother has no rhythm. 10. They gathered the other children.
3. We gather together every night. 11. My father is taller than my brother.
4. Don’t bother her mother. 12. Smooth the shirt with your hands.
5. Neither of them is there. 13. The child bathes with her mother.
6. It’s hard to breathe in this weather. 14. Another feather fell from the bird.
7. The smooth leather is expensive. 15. Don’t bother your brother!
8. They bathe the baby together. 16. I’d rather go to the northern part.


Track 79
Initial Sound- sale Final Sound- miss
so sap ace moss
saw sing ass mouse
sue sink boss pace
say soak house hiss
see sail less bass
sigh sack pass peace
sit sin case lace
sick sock face cross
save send gas cease
soap soul race mass
seem soup kiss fleece
sell sand loose moose
sip south loss sass
safe sound mess harass
Track 80
1. Sam said to sell the soap. 1. Lois went to the office at six.
2. Sing a sad song. 2. Her face was covered in grease.
3. Did you see the south side? 3. The gas will hiss as it escapes.
4. Sandra has six single sisters. 4. Bring the case to the house.
5. They sat on the sofa and sighed. 5. He will pass by during the race.
6. Sally was sick for several days. 6. The moose will pass by the moss.
7. Sarah served soup at the party. 7. The mouse is loose in this mess.


Track 81
Initial Sound- Final Sound- please fuzz
zoo has lies haze
Zach use plays jazz
zone is freeze craze
zoom his news Liz
zap sees keys maze
zeal does buzz pause
zest nose cause pose
zebra lays ties prize
zinc bees ease raise
zero says fizz rise
zipper peas stays tease
zombie size flaws toes
zinger rose fleas blaze
zucchini flies froze phase
Track 82
Initial Sound- Final Sound-
1. Zach visited the zoo. 1. Pause before you say the news.
2. Pepper adds zest to zucchini. 2. He lies to please others.
3. I zipped the zany purse. 3. She says she sees her keys.
4. I played the xylophone with zeal. 4. They tease Liz about her nose.
5. I zapped the zombies. 5. Bees buzz around the rose.
6. The building is in zone zero. 6. His flaws please no one.
7. Zinc will help you zoom through. 7. She stays and lays on the bed.
8. There are no zebras in the zoo. 8. We use the peas that they froze.


Track 83
Initial Sound- shave Final Sound- gash
she shed fish gosh
show sheer cash gush
shoe shelf dish hash
shout shift bush lash
sure shin rush mesh
shot shine wish mush
share ship push posh
shell shock wash rash
sheet shoot bash slash
shop shark brush smash
shirt sharp crash flesh
shape shore fresh stash
shade short trash swish
shake shack mash swoosh
sheep sham dash
shook shawl flash
shame sugar flush
Track 84
Initial Sound- Final Sound-
1. We shop for shoes and shirts. 1. The dish fell with a crash.
2. The shack and shed are full. 2. Push the mush into the bowl.
3. She collected shells on the shore. 3. The fish swims in fresh water.
4. The sheets on the bed are sheer. 4. We need cash to buy a brush.
5. The shark’s teeth are sharp. 5. Flush that gash with water.
6. Shawn put the shotgun on the shelf. 6. I wish this rash would go away.
7. The short sheik was sure of himself. 7. Josh was in a car crash.
8. Sharon shouted at the ship. 8. Please wash that dish.


Track 85
Asia version delusion seizure

measure usual diversion fission
garage decision illusion camouflage
pleasure confusion massage Polynesia
vision leisure fusion subterfuge
casual visual mirage
Track 86
1. We saw a mirage in the desert. 9. I always get a massage on vacation.

2. The band practices in the garage. 10. The magician performed an illusion.
3. The old man was delusional. 11. My son has terrible vision.
4. Measure the fabric carefully. 12. The soldiers wear camouflage.
5. John is a visual learner. 13. He created a diversion to escape.
6. We made the decision to stay. 14. Which version of the software is it?
7. Rob planned a trip to Asia. 15. They lost it in all the confusion.
8. We wear casual clothes on Fridays. 16. Make some time for leisure.


Track 87
Initial Sound- chip Final Sound- reach
check choke teach rich
cheek chain such roach
chair chap beach which
chin chum touch scotch
cheer choose catch speech
char chance watch hatch
chase chart coach fetch
chat chore ditch couch
cheap champ each botch
cheat change itch latch
cheese chant match poach
chew Charles much smooch
chick chuck batch Mitch
chief chug patch pooch
chalk chafe peach retch
chill chaff pitch thatch
Track 88
1. She chooses to take a chance. 1. Don’t touch the angry pooch.
2. We chugged the cheap wine. 2. The patch doesn’t match the pants.
3. Chip cheats at poker. 3. They dig a ditch on the beach.
4. The cheese is chewy and strange. 4. We each teach different things.
5. We chant cheerful songs. 5. The rich lady rides in a coach.
6. They sat in the chairs and chatted. 6. Mitch will make a speech.
7. Charles and Chad are chums. 7. Watch me poach this peach.
8. Our chief will check the chart. 8. The roach ran behind the couch.


Track 89
Initial Sound- jig Final Sound- barge
jam joint age budge
joke jolt edge bulge
jaw jerk page charge
jog judge cage forge
job juice change fridge
jet jewel rage fringe
jar Jeep dodge hinge
gel jump bridge ledge
gem jock gage lounge
joy June sponge nudge
gym junk merge plunge
jab jeer ridge sludge
jug just stage surge
jade jot strange trudge
jail jilt badge cringe
jest jut sage wage
Track 90
1. He just got a new job. 1. Put the sage in the fridge.
2. They stole the jewels and jade. 2. The traffic will merge on the bridge.
3. John took a jet to Japan. 3. He is paid a good wage for his age.
4. Just throw the junk away. 4. The actors trudge across the stage.
5. Jen drank a jug of juice. 5. He cleans the cage with the sponge.
6. Jack jogs at the gym. 6. The strange man flew into a rage.
7. The boxer jabbed him in the jaw. 7. They charge too much in the lounge.
8. Jan jumped for joy. 8. The poor men scrounge for change.

Track 91
hi hire hill hoist
how head hag hone
hay hit hail hoof
has hope haze hook
he hoop heal horn
him heat heap host
hose had heck hound
hum hen halt house
her hate hand howl
hot hell hang huff
hug ham hard hull
hop hiss harm hump
hat hair harp hung
hold hood hawk hunt
hole half heart hurl
home hall heft hurt
his hub hack who
hike help haste whom
have height hint whose
Track 92
1. The hound howled at the moon. 9. Hang your hat on the hook.
2. He hates hot weather. 10. The happy hare hopped away.
3. The horse hurt its hoof. 11. Hannah hit the ball the hardest.
4. His whole house is heated. 12. Harry hugged his son.
5. Hank heaped ham on his plate. 13. We have high hopes we’ll win.
6. The hunter has a hawk. 14. The host welcomed us home.
7. Our house is high on the hill. 15. She hurt her heel while hiking.
8. She has no hair on her head. 16. Hand her the hammer.


Track 93
row rob rib rub
race rail rid rule
wrote roll rig rum
rain rat rim raid
red raise ripe ream
run rake rise rage
right ram roam rust
room ramp robe rave
rude rare rock rife
road rash rod wrap
rice rate rack raft
rose reap roof wreath
rip rear root roast
ran reef rope wreck
read reek rot wrist
rag rest rough wrath
Track 94
1. The raft ripped on the rocks. 9. The ram roams around the farm.
2. Please raise your right hand. 10. Ruth makes roast rabbit.
3. The rotten rice reeks! 11. The rooster sits on the roof.
4. Ron reads romance novels. 12. The river runs over the hill.
5. The robber ran from the police. 13. The rat ran under the rock.
6. The red car races down the road. 14. Rita raked the red leaves.
7. She reads and rests in that room. 15. They ran the race in the rain.
8. Rick got rid of his old robe. 16. Ryan loves rock ‘n roll.


Track 95
yes young yeast unique
you yak yellow Utah
yup Yale yolk utility
use yam youth universe
your yank yelp utilize
yet yap yield union
yell yard yowl unite
yuck yarn yacht
yum yawn usual
year yearn yesterday
Track 96
1. Yams grow in our yard. 9. Last year was unique.

2. There are yaks in Utah. 10. The puppy yelped and yowled.
3. The yellow yarn is the softest. 11. We yearn for euphoria.
4. The young children yelled loudly. 12. You shouldn’t yawn here.
5. The yeast tastes yucky. 13. They haven’t united yet.
6. They usually fish on their yacht. 14. He studied the universe at Yale.
7. You look youthful today. 15. Your dinner tasted yummy.
8. Use the egg yolks to make a cake. 16. Yank the yarn to pull it through.


Track 97
Initial Sound- lake Final Sound- fill
low lap all kill
lay laugh eel rule
law lawn ill fail
lot lead call fall
late leaf real fell
look leak deal hall
loose lid will hill
lit life sell mail
lab load roll nail
lip loaf ball pal
lock loan pool pole
like limb feel rail
light lamb tell seal
lick loop pill hell
lace loot bowl tail
lack lope cool whole
lag loss meal fool
Track 98
1. Lou listens to loud music. 1. I think Paul will fail the test.
2. Look at the lilies on the lawn. 2. The fool fell down the hill.
3. They leap into the lake. 3. The pale girl took a pill.
4. Lisa laughed loudly at the joke. 4. Tell Bill the whole story.
5. Lock the latch before you leave. 5. They all feel ill.
6. They lit the light in the living room. 6. The new rule is terribly cruel.
7. The little lamb got loose. 7. The mail is on the table in the hall.
8. Larry lives near the library. 8. Jill will call her mother.


Track 99
Medial Position
Hello Roller Violin Relationship
Color Silo Totally Humiliate
Yellow Family Absolute Intellect
Silent Highly Calorie Invalid
Island Relate Vanilla Malaria
Jello Pillow Political Alabama
Really Villa Allergy Masculine
Valley Teller Valentine Abolish
Olive Balance Celebrate Accelerate
Cellar Telephone Colony Multicolor
Polar Television Finale Retailer
Hollow Regular Possibility Speculate
Polite Stealing Helicopter Ventilate
Gallon Telling Holland Volleyball
Track 100
1. We celebrate holidays regularly in the office.
2. I watched people play volleyball on television.
3. That vanilla cake with sprinkles was delicious.
4. The political rally in Alabama was exhilarating.
5. My Valentine bought me flowers and took me out for a candlelight dinner.
6. Many celebrities live in California.
7. I need to consume low-calorie salads in order to become a ballerina.
8. The school bully tries really hard to humiliate me.
9. Every day I eat cantaloupe and a jelly sandwich for lunch.
10. My relative bought me a telephone for my belated birthday.
.


Track 101
why wall weed wane
won wear week weep
way wait weird woe
we wheel whack woof
once wake whip whiff
well walk white wick
was war wife whim
wet warm wig wean
were wine wind wool
will woke wipe wheeze
win wood wise wound
with waste wish wad
when watch wit wade
what wax witch waif
web wed wiz wow
Track 102
1. Wendy watches western movies. 9. Which way does the wheel turn?
2. Will she wear the wool sweater? 10. We pull weeds in the woods.
3. Wipe the table with the wet rag. 11. The wind whips through the willows.
4. The wicked witch is from the west. 12. We work late on the weekends.
5. His wife won’t come to the wedding. 13. Wear a warm coat in the winter.
6. I walk to work on Wednesdays. 14. I wonder where she went.
7. Wally was wounded in the war. 15. Will spilled wine on his white pants.
8. We just washed the windows. 16. We won the worst prize.


/bl/ /br/
blow blend brie breed
blue bless brew breeze
blare blight bride bribe
blur blind bread brick
black blink brown bridge
blade blob brace brief
blame block brag bright
blab blood brain bring
blanch bloom branch brisk
bland blot brand broad
blank blouse brass broil
blanket blubber brave broke
blast blunt Brazil brook
blaze bladder breach brother
bleach blister break brought
bleak blizzard breath brunch
bleed blemish breathe brush
1. My brother broke the blender.

2. Brad brews his own beer.
3. Blair blotted the stain on her blouse.
4. A cool breeze blows over the bridge.
5. The bread tastes a little bland.
6. He received a brass medal for his bravery.
7. We took a deep breath and braved the blizzard.
8. They blamed the breakup on the bride.
9. The dead blooms were brown and broken.
10. The wind blew the blanket off the branch.

/kl/ /kr/
claw clog cry creak
clay clone crew creep
class cloth crow crone
clear cloud crawl craft
clan club crab crowd
clean clue crack crude
close cleat cram crush
clip cloak cramp crumb
clot cliff crane cricket
clap Claire crepe creature
clad clutter crass crazy
clam cleaver crave crisis
claim clutch cream create
clang closet crease credit
clamp clergy crime creepy
clash clever crib cranky
clench clamber cringe critical
clerk clumsy crisp criminal
climb cluster crook cradle
clinch clinical cross crocodile
1. Close the door before you clean.

2. The clumsy criminal left a clue.
3. The cricket crawled in the crack.
4. The clerk did crooked business.
5. The latest crisis drove him crazy.
6. The crook crept into the closet.
7. Claire looked out over the cliff.
8. The class was very clever.
9. Chris will create a new craft.
10. We have to clean this clutter.

dry drunk drum

drew drip drool
draw dredge dreary
dream drill drawer
dress drawl drama
drab drop driver
drag drift dragon
drain drive drastic
drape droll dribble
drought drone drowsy
draft droop dreadful
dread drove dresser
drink drown drizzle
drank drug dramatic
1. We drank the last drop.

2. You should never drink and drive.
3. Drew is a driven young man.
4. Drain the lake so no one drowns.
5. She dreamed of a beautiful dress.
6. The drama teacher was a dreadful actor.
7. The dreary man drifted through life.
8. She draws the drapes each morning.
9. The dramatic man took drastic action.
10. I dreaded the drive home.

/fl/ /fr/
fly flaunt free frantic
flew flax fry fraud
flow flesh frog frequent
flea flex freak friction
flaw flight front frighten
floor fling fruit France
flat flirt frail fraction
flood float Fred fracture
flip flop frame fragment
fled floss frown frugal
flag flunk fraught frustrate
flail flute fray frisbee
flake fluid freeze frolic
flair flavor French freckle
flame flower fresh fragile
flap flimsy frenzy fraternal
flash fluctuate frank franchise
1. We fried the fruit in butter.

2. She flaunted her skills on the flute.
3. Freeze the food so it stays fresh.
4. The cheap frisbee was flimsy.
5. The French food was flavorful.
6. The frail women fractured her hip.
7. We frequently flew in freezing weather.
8. I was frustrated with the flawed plan.
9. The frogs frolicked in the front yard.
10. Fred will fly to France next week.

/gl/ /gr/
glee glum grow grape
glow gloom gray grab
glue gloss grid grace
glad global grill graph
glare glory grin grave
glob glisten ground grunt
globe glimmer group greetings
gloat gluten green gracious
glance glitter great gravel
glass glacier grand gradual
glib glaring grade graduate
gland gladly greet gravitate
glaze glamorous grain grandmother
glint grass grandfather
1. The glamorous woman traveled the globe.

2. He gloated over his glorious win.
3. They glanced at the grave as they passed.
4. Gradually, the group grew larger.
5. My grandparents are great storytellers.
6. The glazed donut was gluten free.
7. We greeted our guests on the grass.
8. The grave was grey and gloomy.
9. She gracefully grabbed my hand.
10. Glen grinned at the great news.

/pl/ /pr/
play plank pry protect
ply plump pray pretty
plea plant price program
plow plod prime prepare
plan Pluto prove preserve
please plenty prompt pressure
plate placid prank problem
place plural press premier
plot pleasure print prefer
plug pleasant proud prevent
plain placate preach predict
plead platform pride precise
pluck plaster priest practice
plum plausible praise priority
pledge prize private
plush preen practical
1. He protected the pretty girl.

2. The proud father praised his son.
3. They were pleased with the success of the program.
4. Those plants are on private property.
5. There are plenty of practical solutions.
6. The priest preached to the crowd.
7. The precise place is unknown.
8. We thought the plan was plausible.
9. They printed the price on the side.
10. Please put the plates in the sink.

/sk/ /sl/ /sm/ /sn/

ski slow small snow
sky slew smile snip
skate slam smirk snack
scare sleep smite sneeze
slot smack snap
scoot
slick smell sneak
skunk sleet smash sniff
skill slack smart snob
scum slink smear snare
scope slope smock snail
skip slit smother snore
scoop slab smudge snag
scab slim smooth snake
school slush smut snub
Scott sleek smoke snout
scan slouch smirk sneer
scam sloppy smooch snort
score slippery smug snooze
scary slaughter smolder snicker
1. The noise scared the sleeping skunk.

2. The slab was slick and slippery.
3. The small girl smiled slyly.
4. Scott slammed the ball into the sky.
5. The snobby boy snickered and smirked.
6. We slowly scooted through the slush.
7. They skied down the snowy slope.
8. The snake snapped its jaws at the snail.
9. The sloppy kid smeared paint on his smock.
10. She skipped school to get some sleep.

/sp/ /st/ Three‐consonant Blends

spa stew /skr/ strive
spit stop scream stroll
sport stab scrap strike
speech steal
screw stroke
space sting
speed stick scratch structure
spoke stage screen strategy
spell stain script /spl/
spare steam scrawl splash
speak steer screech splinter
spot step scrawny splice
spoon stir
scramble splay
spook stitch
spin stock scrape splatter
spice start /str/ splendid
spike stairs strip /spr/
spam star street spry
spur stack straw spruce
span statue stream sprite
spear steady stripe spring
spark
stable straight sprawl
specific
spectator station struck sprout
spectacular standard strength spray
sporadic staple stretch sprinkle

1. The spectators screamed for the spectacular player.
2. She scrambled up the stoop and scraped her knee.
3. The swimmer’s speed increased with each stroke
4. We don’t have any new stories in stock.
5. That script is too slow for the stage.
6. Steve stacked them by the stairs.
7. The plants sprout along the street each spring.
8. Stephanie sprinkled some spices in the soup.
9. He’s too scrawny to play sports.
10. The movie star scanned her new script.

/ʃr/ /Ɵr/
shrink throw throng
shrank through throttle
shred three thrush
shrapnel thrall thrown
shrewd thrash throughway
shrew thread throb
shriek threat
shrine threw
shrug thrift
shrill thrill
shrimp thrive
shrivel throat
shroud throne
shrub thrust
1. The crowd thronged through the streets.

2. The woman shrieked shrilly.
3. There were only three shrimp on the plate.
4. The shrapnel is a dangerous threat.
5. The heir to the throne is thriving.
6. His throat throbbed from screaming.
7. The shroud shielded her face.
8. She sewed the shredded fabric with thread.
9. He was thrown from the car on the throughway.
10. His final throw was thrilling.

try troll truffle

tree trace travel
true track truthful
tray trunk trouble
trip troop trespass
trot trudge trample
trust trade trophy
trash trick traffic
trap trail trumpet
trim trump translate
treat train transform
trek trial tropical
truce truck trustworthy
tribe tricky trivial
trend triple triangle
1. We trekked through the trees on the trail.

2. They tried to trade in their old truck.
3. Travis received a trophy after his triumph.
4. The troops trudged through the tropical forest.
5. The train traveled down the tracks.
6. The two tribes declared a truce.
7. The trustworthy man went to trial.
8. I treated myself to chocolate truffles.
9. We were stuck in traffic for most of the trip.
10. The trouble with trolls is they can’t be trusted.

old wield wailed blindfold

gold yield boiled dialed
held mold drilled labeled
bold scald fueled settled
mild scold healed emerald
told sailed nailed foothold
bald killed pulled herald
hold hailed yelled rivaled
shield walled whirled scribbled
field rolled handled household
weld filled sealed struggled
sold polled mailed threshold
fold chilled canceled upheld
build called penciled assembled
cold hauled circled centerfold
1. Hold the cold jello mold while I fill it.

2. I bailed him out jail, and then tailed him myself.
3. Harold wailed because he failed the exam.
4. I told my uncle that I had sold the gold already.
5. I dialed Paul’s number and called him.
6. He told us that he had sailed around the world.
7. The woman hauled the gold up the hill.
8. The train rumbled and squealed but failed to stop.
9. We folded the piles of unsealed mail.
10. I penciled the meeting in, then canceled it.

most feast request assessed

lost fast east nearest
best tossed west biggest
rest cost kissed farthest
roast exhaust missed closest
cast trust leased cheapest
ghost bust almost nicest
last fist persist loudest
passed list contest quietest
test wrist dentist easiest
messed beast August hardest
chest mast adjust tallest
post guest interest shortest
coast resist invest enticed
toast blast priced happiest
pieced first suggest oldest
least invest honest
1. We assessed the first project.

2. Will you invest the interest?
3. They denied the request because of the cost.
4. The cheapest item was priced too high.
5. The strongest students passed the test.
6. They leased the apartment to the highest bidder.
7. May I suggest the West Coast?
8. I almost missed the meeting.
9. The nicest weather is in August.
10. The first Broadway cast was the best.

eats fruits waits closets

its roots heats regrets
gets boats shoots relates
cats jots hates baskets
nuts fights charts events
tots shots facts delights
coats seats parts donuts
ruts pots hearts efforts
let’s shouts grants congratulates
pits wants pants boycotts
goats rights heights pilots
boots routes refutes computes
meets lights defeats bailouts
hits cheats creates compensates
nets streets admits resonates
sits cents repeats enunciates
1. These routes have too may stop lights.

2. The employee shouts about his rights.
3. He waits for the boycotts to end.
4. Let’s go find our seats.
5. He refutes the charges against him.
6. She admits that she hates her boss.
7. The pilots’ seats are the most comfortable.
8. He sits and waits for the lights to go out.
9. The soup heats on the stove in pots.
10. She congratulates them and admits defeat.

Voiced and Unvoiced Pairs

There are many consonants that are produced with the same manner and place of
articulation (how and where the sound is made) with the only difference being whether or
not we use the vocal chords to produce noise. In unvoiced consonants, such as /s/, we use
only air to create the sound. In voiced consonants, such as /z/, we use our vocal chords to
produce the sound. To feel this difference, place your hand at your throat and say first /s/
and then /z/. You should have felt vibration in your throat while producing /z/ and nothing at
all while producing /s/.
To practice producing voiced and unvoiced consonants, say the following words and
sentences aloud. Each pair of consonants differs only in whether they are voiced or
unvoiced.
Track 103
/f/ and /v/
fine vine
fan van
ferry very
file vile
fast vast
1. Victor filled the van with five fine vases.

2. Phil vowed to vote for Valerie in February.
3. The ferry is very fast on Friday evenings.
4. Fred fixed the van’s fan for Vicky.
5. The view of the vast valley is fabulous in the fall.
Track 104
/p/ and /b/
pat bat
poor bore
pin bin
pill bill
pie buy
1. Bob put books beneath the pile of pillows.

2. Pete beat Betty in poker before breakfast.
3. Bill’s pills are in the pantry behind the bread.
4. The big pig in the park is breaking up the party.
5. Are Ben’s pen and backpack in their proper place?

Track 105
/t/ and /d/
tip dip
tied died
try dry
bat bad
time dime
1. Tell Dan to teach Debbie to draw tomorrow.
2. Tom’s dog has done a ton of damage to the deck.
3. The tame dame tap dances terrifically.
4. Today Donna took two dozen teens to the diner.
5. Do the two dancers tell tales and do tricks?
Track 106
/s/ and /z/
sip zip
sue zoo
lacey lazy
race raise
seal zeal
Remember: Sometimes the letter ‘s’ is pronounced with a /z/ sound in English. To help with
this exercise, all /z/ sounds are bolded and all /s/ sounds are underlined.
1. Sue went to the zoo to see the zebras.

2. Sam zips Sally’s dresses.
3. The zealous salesman sold six zippers.
4. Soon he’ll zoom and race through the haze.
5. His supper sizzled and steamed.
Track 107
/k/ and /g/
coat goat
clue glue
cap gap
come gum
back bag
1. Carl and Greg gab in the cab as it goes.
2. Can you get Dick to dig the dyke?
3. He came to the game with a bag on his back.
4. The goat’s coat goes in the closet.
5. The kid cut and glued the game.
Chapter 4: Helpful Hints 107

108 Chapter 4: Helpful Hints

In the English language, there are certain letters in some words that are silent, or not
pronounced at all. Take a look at the following words that contain tricky silent letters.
“H”
H is sometimes not pronounced at the beginning of the word, and is often silent after an R.
honest heir rhinoceros
hour honor rhubarb
herb rhyme rhythm
“G”
G is typically silent when it comes before the letter N.
sign assign gnome
design campaign gnarl
cologne foreign gnu
align consign gnat
resign benign gnarl
deign design gnash
reign champagne
“K”
K is usually silent when it comes before N.
know knife knob
knee kneel knight
knew knack knot
knock knowledge knuckle
knight knapsack knickers
knit kneed
“P”
P is usually silent before the letter N and before the letter S. There are some other irregular
occurrences of silent P.
pneumonia psalm psychotic
psychology psychiatrist receipt
pneumatic psychiatric

“N”
N is silent when it comes before M.
autumn column hymn
“B”
B is generally silent when it follows M or when it comes before T.
comb lamb womb
crumb bomb succumb
climb plumber numb
debt thumb debt
dumb tomb doubt
doubt limb subtle
“S”
S is silent in the following words.
island debris isle
“W”
W is almost always silent before R and sometimes silent before H.
wring wrack write
wrought writhe wrote
wrong wriggle written
wrist wrinkle whole
wrap wretch whom
wrangle wrench who
wreath wreak whose
“C”
When combined with S, the letter C is often not pronounced.
science fascinate abscess
scent descend obscene
scissors ascend scenic
scene fluorescent
muscle miscellaneous

As you are probably all too aware, many letters of the English language can make
drastically different sounds depending on their use. This is especially true of the
consonant cluster “gh”. These two letters can change their own pronunciation as well
as that of the vowels preceding them in a variety of ways with seemingly no rhyme
or reason. Need some help making sense of it all? Take a look at the following list of
“gh” words to help sort it out:
/ɑɪ/
right knight
sight blight
fight delight
tight slight
night mighty
might height
bright thigh
light high
fright sigh
plight

/e/
sleigh straight
weigh freight
weight neighbor
eight

/ɔ/
thought ought
bought distraught
taught fraught
sought onslaught
caught haughty
fought naughty
daughter slaughter
/u/
through throughout


/o/
though although
dough

/ɑu/
bough plough
slough drought

/æf/
laugh draught

/ɔf/
cough trough

/ʌf/
rough enough
tough

/g/
spaghetti ghastly
ghost ghetto
ghoul


At first glance, the /t/ sound may seem fairly straightforward. However, the pronunciation of
this sound can vary subtly depending on its position in a word.
If /t/ starts the word or a stressed syllable, it is pronounced with a distinct, crisp
sound.
Examples: tune, time, attack, volunteer
Practice Sentences:
Tom and Tim are taking a walk.
The teacher told them to turn over their tests.
Tony is tired and needs time to sleep.

When /t/ appears at the end of a word, it is generally unreleased. This means that
the tongue is in the same position, however it lacks the subsequent puff of air that
accompanies the purer version.
Examples: cat, it, flat, foot
Practice Sentences:
The cat will eat the rat.
I got in a fight with Kurt.
That is not the shirt I bought.

In the middle of a word that ends with /n/, the /t/ is pronounced as a glottal. This
means it is produced towards the back of the throat.
Examples: kitten, button, frighten
Practice Sentences:
There are buttons on the satin dress.
The kitten was frightened by the noise.
I need to whiten the cotton scarf.

If /t/ appears immediately before an unstressed syllable, it is produced as a flap. This
means that it is slightly less crisp than a pure /t/ and is said with some voicing.
Examples: better, society, motor
Practice Sentences:
We are waiting for the meeting to end.
Does it matter what society thinks?
The security is of a better quality.

The final “-s” can be pronounced in one of three ways. The pronunciation used depends on
the spelling of the word before the “-s”. This exercise will introduce some basic rules to help
you determine which pronunciation to use.
The three pronunciations for “-s” endings are:

/s/ a “s” sound, such as in the word miss
/z/ a “z” sound, such as in the word buzz
/ǝz/ a separate syllable, which sounds much like the word “is”
/s/
The /s/ sound is used when the “-s” ending follows the voiceless consonants /t/, /f/, /p/, /k/,
and /θ/ (as in “math”). Say the following words out loud to practice the /s/ ending:
Plurals Possessives Verbs

boats aunt’s claps
books cat’s eats
cakes Chip’s floats
coats Cliff’s keeps
desks Elliot’s laughs
hats Jack’s leaks
lamps Keith’s meets
lights Matt’s rips
maps Mike’s sleeps
months Ralph’s takes
rats Rick’s thinks
ships Robert’s writes
Now, read the following sentences out loud.

1. Mike’s class meets every Thursday.
2. Rita thinks for a long time before she writes.
3. Could you put Elliot’s books on the table?
4. The rat squeaks while it eats the bits of food.
5. John sleeps on clean white sheets.
6. All of Mike’s faucets and sinks have leaks.
7. Claire makes pants, shirts, and socks.
8. He makes lists to keep track of his projects.
9. The class put their books inside their desks.
10. Rick’s mother bakes delicious cakes.

/z/
The /z/ sound is used when the root word ends in the voiced sounds /g/, /v/, /m/, /n/, /b/, /d/,
/v/, /l/, /w/, /r/, /ð/ (as in “mother”), /ŋ/ (as in “sing”) or any vowel sound. Say the following
words out loud to practice the /z/ ending:

arms Ashley’s buys
beds Bob’s flies
buttons Chad’s gives
computers cousin’s lands
cookies dog’s leaves
legs father’s loves
pans Irene’s reads
pencils John’s runs
pictures lawyer’s says
rags mother’s sees
rooms Sara’s sells
shoes sister’s shows
words uncle’s tells
Now, read the following sentences out loud. Pay special attention to words with a /z/ ending.
1. Steve’s pens and pencils are on the desk.

2. Sara’s mother buys shoes for her sisters.
3. The bug’s legs were long and thin.
4. Bob’s teacher knows many things.
5. He sells computers to kids at school.
6. John’s little brother loves cookies and muffins.
7. All of the rooms had sofas and chairs.
8. My sister’s garden grows flowers and vegetables.
9. She loves to read stories about kings and queens.
10. Laura sings songs with her school’s choir.

/Iz/
The /Iz/ sound is used when a word ends in any of the following sounds: /s/, /z/, /ʃ/ (as in
“rush”), /Ӡ/ (as in “vision”), /ʧ/ (as in “catch”), /ʤ/ (as in “jet”). Say the following words out
loud to practice the /Iz/ ending:

beaches boss’s catches
churches Carlos’s closes
dishes Cass’s itches
faces James’s loses
glasses Jess’s misses
houses Jesus’s passes
kisses Ross’s pushes
matches Tess’s reaches
patches the class’s rushes
peaches Thomas’s teaches
places uses
prices washes
watches wishes
Now, read the following sentences out loud. Pay special attention to words with a /ǝz/
ending.
1. The dresses and necklaces were on sale.

2. Sally washes her good dishes with expensive soap.
3. My boss’s secretary had messages for him.
4. Ross’s mother places his glasses on the table.
5. The bully punches the other children and pushes them down.
6. Many expensive houses are on beautiful beaches.
7. Thomas’s girlfriend inches closer and kisses him.
8. She reaches for the peaches at the top of the tree.
9. Cass’s father has visited many places.
10. The prices of those watches are way too high.

The “-ed” endings of past tense verbs can be pronounced three different ways:
- /d/ a “d” sound, such as at the end of the word “bed”

- /t/ a “t” sound, such as at the end of the word “not”
- /ǝd/ a separate syllable which sounds much like the “-id” portion of the word “kid”
/t/
The /t/ sound is used when the root word ends in any voiceless sound that isn’t /t/. This
includes:
/k/ “talked” is pronounced as talkt /s/ “missed” is pronounced as misst
/p/ “helped” is pronounced as helpt /ʃ/ (sh) “pushed” is pronounced as pusht
/f/ “laughed” is pronounced as laught /ʧ/ (ch) “searched” is pronounced as searcht
Here is a list of words and sentences in which the “–ed” ending is pronounced as /t/. Read
the words aloud to practice using this sound.
asked kissed slipped
chased licked smoked
clapped looked stopped
coughed matched tapped
crossed passed touched
crushed placed trapped
faked raced walked
flashed reached washed
flipped rushed watched
hoped skipped wished
1. She reached across the table and brushed the crumbs off his face.
2. We walked to the store and picked up some milk.
3. Sarah chased her puppy down the street.
4. We watched this movie last week.
5. She stopped on the corner and smoked a cigarette.
6. Last time you rushed, you crashed the car.
7. Laurie ripped her favorite jacket.
8. We missed you at the party last week.
9. I dropped my food on the floor, and the dog licked it up.
10. My parents asked to speak to the manager.
/d/
The /d/ sound is used when the root word ends in any voiced sound that isn’t /d/ or a vowel.
This includes:

/b/ “robbed” is pronounced as robbd
/v/ “loved” is pronounced as lovd
/m/ “charmed” is pronounced as charmd
/n/ “explained” is pronounced as explaind
/r/ “poured” is pronounced as pourd
/l/ “called” is pronounced as calld
/th/ “smoothed” is pronounced as smoothd
/g/ “hugged” is pronounced as huggd
/z/ “pleased” is pronounced as pleasd
vowel “agreed” is pronounced as agreed
Here is a list of words in which the “–ed” ending is pronounced as /d/. Read the words aloud
to practice using this sound.
aged caused killed ruled

agreed changed lived screamed
bathed charmed loved shoved
begged cried mailed sighed
bombed deceived paused skied
bragged explained pleased smoothed
braved failed posed snored
called filled poured surprised
calmed hugged robbed
Now read the following sentences aloud. Pay particular attention to your pronunciation of
words ending in “–ed”.
1. She screamed and called for her mother.
2. They lived in that house for forty years.
3. Robert cried when he failed the test.
4. The teacher explained the answer to the class.
5. John poured the juice in the glass.
6. We all agreed to meet at the theater.
7. I received a package in the mail last week.
8. The children teased the new student.
9. Ron didn’t study, so he failed the test.
10. They gathered together and posed for the picture.

/ d/
The /ǝd/ sound is used when the root word ends in /t/ or /d/. Examples include:
/t/ “chatted” is pronounced as chatt-ǝd
/d/ “needed” is pronounced as need-ǝd

Here is a list of words in which the “–ed” ending is pronounced as /ǝd/. Read the words
aloud to practice using this sound.
added marketed responded

chatted needed rotted
cheated nodded seated
connected patted spotted
hated painted wanted
heated protected wasted
invited rejected
Now read the following sentences aloud. Pay particular attention to your pronunciation of
words ending in “–ed”.
1. The dishonest student cheated on the test.

2. Were you invited to Michael’s birthday party?
3. They added the numbers together.
4. The children painted pictures in art class.
5. My umbrella protected me from the rain.
6. I’ve always wanted to have a pony.
7. Everyone chatted before the meeting began.
8. She has hated carrots since she was a little girl.
9. Her boss nodded in agreement.
10. They patted the puppy on the head.
A common mistake in English grammar is using a verb form that doesn’t match the subject
of a sentence. In short, a singular subject needs a singular verb; a plural subject needs a
plural verb. A singular subject is “he”, “she”, “it” or words which could substitute for these
pronouns. In the present tense, singular verbs end in an –s or –es (e.g. “runs”, “eats”,
“does”, as well as irregular verbs such as “is”, “goes”). The plural form of a verb remains
unchanged (e.g. “run”, “eat”, “do”, “are”, “go”).
Example 1: The boy reads a book.

In the above sentence, the subject (“the boy”) is singular and is therefore followed by a
singular verb (“reads”).
Example 2: The children learn mathematics.

In the above sentences, the subject (“the children”) is plural and is therefore followed by a
plural verb (“learn”).
While this rule seems straightforward, there are several situations which may make it more
complicated. Learning the following rules will help you master the art of subject-verb
agreement:
If two subjects joined by “and” they are treated as plural, regardless of if the
individual verbs are singular or plural.
The man and woman see a movie each week.
If two subjects are joined by “or” or “nor”, the verb agrees with the closer subject.
Either the players or the coach speaks to the press.
Either the coach or the players speak to the press.
Indefinite pronouns (everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, anyone, anybody,

each, one, nobody, no one) are treated as singular subjects and therefore take a
singular verb.
Everyone likes the new employee.
Be wary of phrases that come between the subject and verb. Always formulate the
verb based on the actual subject and ignore any intervening nouns or pronouns.
The girl wearing the yellow gloves looks cold.
The words “some”, “none” and “all” depend on the noun that follow and whether it is
countable or not. This same rule applies to fractional expressions like “half” or “the
majority”
Some of the rice is burned.
Some of the cookies are burned.

When a sentence contains “there is” or “there are”, the subject follows the verb (i.e.
“is” or “are”). The same rules apply, even though the order of the words are changed.
There are five children.
There is one child.
Practice
The first step to accurate subject verb agreement is identifying the subject. Read each of the
following sentences and circle the subject.
1. The students are taking a test.
2. All of the employees are angry.
3. Mary’s boss won’t be in until Tuesday.
4. The accounting department has a meeting each week.
5. The desk in the conference room has been broken for a week.
Now that you’ve had some practice identifying the subject, read the following sentences and
select the appropriate verb.
1. The director of marketing (call / calls) on the first of the month.

2. The owner and the store manager (arrive / arrives) early on Tuesdays.
3. My boss (think / thinks) our numbers are dropping.
4. All of the members of the committee (is / are) nervous about the meeting.
5. Nobody (remember / remembers) what the disagreement was about.
6. There (is / are) three vice-presidents in the company.
7. The report that they sent (is / are) thirty pages long.
8. Some of the money (is / are) missing.
9. I think that everyone (understand / understands) the memo you sent.
10. None of the pens in the conference room (work / works).
11. Either the boss or his employees (is / are) responsible for the misunderstanding.
12. Neither my coworkers nor my boss (enjoy / enjoys) their jobs.

While using regular past-tense verbs in English is fairly straightforward; simply add “-ed” to
the end of the verb. However, there is an entire other set of verbs which are used in a
completely different manner. Rather than simply adding “-ed” at the end, these verbs
change completely in the past tense. Unfortunately, there’s no specific rule to help learn
irregular verb tenses—they just have to be memorized. Below, we’ve provided a list of some
of the most commonly used irregular past-tense verbs. Take some time to get to know these
words, and then complete the exercise on the following page.
Present Tense Past Tense Present Tense Past Tense

become became keep kept
begin began know knew
break broke leave left
bring brought lend lent
build built let let
buy bought make made
choose chose mean meant
come came pay paid
cut cut put put
do did quit quit
draw drew read read (“red”)
drink drank say said
drive drove see saw
eat ate sell sold
feel felt shut shut
fight fought sit sat
forget forgot speak spoke
forgive forgave spread spread
get got steal stole
give gave take took
go went teach taught
have had tell told
hide hid write wrote

Practice your irregular verbs with the sentences below. The verb you need is given to you in
parenthesis at the beginning of each sentence in the present tense. Change the verb to its
irregular past-tense form and write it in the blank.
1. (speak) I _____________ with my boss after work yesterday.
2. (forget) I’m so sorry I _____________ our meeting yesterday!
3. (quit) We only have two people in accounting since Bob _____________ last week.
4. (come) I’m so glad we _____________ to the presentation last Monday.
5. (sell) He _____________ all of his company stock before the market closed.
6. (leave) Marc wasn’t feeling well, so he _____________ work early.
7. (put) I can’t find that file! I _____________ it here on my desk an hour ago!
8. (bring) Rita _____________ the folder into my office.
9. (begin) The conference _____________ promptly at ten o’clock.
10. (write) Rob _____________ that report over a year ago.
11. (eat) We _____________ lunch in the cafeteria on Monday.
12. (see) I _____________ Jim at the networking event last month.
13. (speak) Lee _____________ in front of the entire marketing department.
14. (give) The speech you _____________ at the meeting was excellent!
15. (pay) They _____________ him double his current pay check at his last job.

Now that you’ve taken the time to develop your speech, don’t let it go to waste! Like any
other skill set, speech and communication must be practiced regularly to be fully learned.
Without practice, your brain and body don’t become fully accustomed to the new skill. The
easiest way to practice your newly learned communication skills is to incorporate them into
your daily life. Use the following tips to help you practice your speech as you go about your
day:
-Leave notes for yourself in places that you will see often throughout your day. For example,
put a post it note on your phone that says “Slow down!” or “Clear and precise!” Then, each
time you pick up your phone to speak with someone, you will encounter that visual reminder
and focus on that specific skill.
-Choose a point during your day when you will take 5 minutes and think about how your
communication has gone so far. Take note of any problems you feel you may have had and
quickly jot them down on a piece of paper. Then, make a brief mental plan as to how you
can avoid making these same mistakes for the rest of the day. Make this “communication
check date” with yourself a part of your daily routine.
-When you know you will be in a situation in which good personal communication is
particularly important (e.g. a business meeting or important phone call), put aside time the
evening before to sit down and work on your communication skills. Use a mirror and a tape
recorder and practice what you are going to say, paying particular attention to your rate of
speech and clear pronunciation.
The more often you practice, the more automatic good speech will become. Over time you
will find that proper speech and good communication habits no longer require conscious
effort on your part and will become second nature. Remember: practice makes perfect!


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Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

Chapter 3: Consonants ......................................................................................... 56

Chapter 4: Helpful Hints ...................................................................................... 107

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

Learning to communicate well and achieve success in the production of the

We wish you lots of success in learning to “Say it better!”

~Jayne Latz and the Team at Corporate Speech Solutions

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

Confidence is a key component in creating a strong, capable professional

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

Good communication is the foundation of successful relationships, both personally

The Importance of Eye Contact

Basic Rules for Effective Eye Contact

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

Eye contact can be adjusted to be more effective for different situations:

When Addressing a Group:

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

When Arguing or Negotiating:

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

Perfecting the Handshake

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

The Power of Gestures

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

What Does Your Posture Say About You?

When sitting, keep your back straight and avoid the

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

Take Your Time!

/ = short pause, used to emphasize a particular word or point

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

Say these words in order, following the directions below:

First time through:

Second time through:

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

1. When is the meeting?

When is the meeting that Dave organized?

When is the meeting that Dave organized to discuss the proposal?

2. Where were you?

Where were you last Thursday night?

Where were you last Thursday night at eight o’clock?

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

3. Where is the archived file?

Where is the archived file that I need?

Where is the archived file that I need to help me with my project?

Who is that woman over there?

Who is that woman over there by the table?

Who is that woman over there by the table in the corner?

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

Tips for Being a Good Listener

Pay Attention! All too often, the listener in a

Listen Actively: Don’t just passively absorb

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language

Your Guide to Pronouncing English Vowels

Note: “_” used in spelling variations indicates “any consonant”

Talking Business: When English is Your Second Language