Master American English consonant sounds.
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Free American English Phonetics Course for ESL Learners
A complete self-study pronunciation course covering American English sounds, IPA symbols, syllables, stress, rhythm, intonation, connected speech, and common ESL pronunciation problems.
Created by Faris Rashad for English learners who want clearer, more confident pronunciation.
What you will learn
A complete pronunciation path, organized for self-study
A practical, open course designed for independent study: listen, repeat, compare, record, and build clearer pronunciation one module at a time.
Learn American English vowel sounds clearly.
Understand IPA symbols without confusion.
Improve syllables, word stress, and sentence rhythm.
Practice intonation and connected speech.
Pronounce final sounds, -s endings, and -ed endings correctly.
Avoid common ESL pronunciation mistakes.
Study freely without creating an account.
Course navigation
Course overview
Study American English pronunciation step by step
This course is for ESL learners from beginner to intermediate level who want clearer American English pronunciation, better listening, and a simple way to practice without a teacher or student account.
Open access
- Free public URL: https://farisrashad.com/en/american-english-phonetics-course
- No login, registration, payment, or locked lessons.
- Local checklists stay only on each learner device.
How to study this course
- 1Start with the IPA and sound chart.
- 2Study one sound lesson at a time.
- 3Listen to the native-style audio support.
- 4Repeat the sound, words, and sentences.
- 5Practice the minimal pairs.
- 6Record yourself and compare.
- 7Complete the review tests.
IPA
/θ/ /ð/ /ɝ/
symbols become study tools
Stress
DA da da DA
strong beats guide rhythm
Linking
turn off -> tur-noff
words connect naturally
How to practice every day
10-minute daily pronunciation routine
Small daily practice is better than long practice once a week. Choose one target, listen, repeat, record, and check one mistake.
- 1Choose one sound or rule.
- 2Listen to the sound 3 times.
- 3Repeat the sound slowly 5 times.
- 4Read 10 example words.
- 5Practice 3 minimal pairs.
- 6Read 5 sentences.
- 7Record yourself reading the practice paragraph.
- 8Listen again and check one mistake.
- 9Repeat the paragraph one more time.
- 10Come back tomorrow and review.
How to use the audio buttons
Listen first, then repeat like a learner
The page uses browser text-to-speech as a free fallback. IPA symbols are shown visually, but the audio uses normal English words because browsers do not pronounce IPA reliably.
- 1Click the audio button.
- 2Listen first without speaking.
- 3Click again and repeat after the voice.
- 4Say the word slowly.
- 5Say the full sentence.
- 6Record yourself on your phone.
- 7Compare your pronunciation with the model.
Audio quality note
The audio voice may sound slightly different depending on your browser or device. For best results, use Chrome, Edge, or Safari with an English US voice selected when available.
Future upgrade path
Real MP3 files can be added later under /public/audio/phonetics and passed to each audio button as audioSrc.
Choose your study path
Start where your level needs you most
You can study the course from top to bottom, or choose a path that matches your current pronunciation goal.
Best for A1-A2 learners
Beginner Path
- 1IPA Basics
- 2Consonants
- 3Vowels
- 4Syllables
- 5Final Sounds
- 6-s and -ed Endings
Best for A2-B1 learners
Intermediate Path
- 1Vowel Contrasts
- 2Word Stress
- 3Sentence Stress
- 4Rhythm
- 5Intonation
- 6Connected Speech
Best for B1-B2 learners
Advanced Clarity Path
- 1Weak Forms
- 2Schwa
- 3Flap T awareness
- 4Connected Speech
- 5Practice Text Library
- 6Final Pronunciation Project
IPA and sound chart
American English sounds at a glance
Search the chart, listen to a native-style model, review the mouth hint, then jump into the full lesson for that sound.
/p/
pen
/pɛn/
Close both lips, build air, then release with a small puff.
/b/
book
/bʊk/
Close both lips and release with voice.
/t/
time
/taɪm/
Touch the ridge behind your top teeth and release air.
/d/
day
/deɪ/
Use the same tongue place as /t/, but add voice.
/k/
cat
/kæt/
Lift the back of your tongue, stop the air, then release.
/g/
go
/goʊ/
Use the back of your tongue and keep the voice on.
/f/
fine
/faɪn/
Touch the top teeth to the lower lip and blow air.
/v/
voice
/vɔɪs/
Use teeth and lower lip like /f/, but add voice.
/θ/
think
/θɪŋk/
Tongue gently between the teeth. Blow air. No voice.
/ð/
this
/ðɪs/
Tongue gently between the teeth with voice.
/s/
see
/si/
Smile lightly and send air through a narrow tongue groove.
/z/
zoo
/zu/
Make the /s/ shape and add voice.
/ʃ/
she
/ʃi/
Round the lips slightly and push air over the middle of the tongue.
/ʒ/
measure
/ˈmɛʒɚ/
Use the /ʃ/ shape with voice.
/h/
happy
/ˈhæpi/
Breathe out gently before the vowel.
/tʃ/
chair
/tʃɛr/
Start like /t/ and release into /ʃ/.
/dʒ/
job
/dʒɑb/
Start like /d/ and release into /ʒ/ with voice.
/m/
man
/mæn/
Close both lips and send voice through the nose.
/n/
night
/naɪt/
Touch the ridge behind the teeth and send voice through the nose.
/ŋ/
sing
/sɪŋ/
Raise the back of the tongue and send voice through the nose.
/l/
light
/laɪt/
Touch the ridge with the tongue tip and let air pass around the sides.
/r/
red
/rɛd/
Pull the tongue back slightly; do not touch the ridge.
/j/
yes
/jɛs/
Start like the vowel /i/ and glide into the next vowel.
/w/
water
/ˈwɑtɚ/
Round the lips and glide into the vowel.
/i/
see
/si/
Smile lightly, tongue high and forward, long clear vowel.
/ɪ/
sit
/sɪt/
Short, relaxed vowel. Tongue is high, but lower than /i/.
/eɪ/
day
/deɪ/
Start at /e/ and glide gently toward /ɪ/.
/ɛ/
pen
/pɛn/
Short open vowel, like a relaxed smile.
/æ/
cat
/kæt/
Open the mouth wider than /ɛ/ and keep the tongue forward.
/ɑ/
hot
/hɑt/
Open the jaw and keep lips unrounded.
/ɔ/
thought
/θɔt/
Round the lips and keep the tongue back.
/oʊ/
go
/goʊ/
Start rounded and glide upward; American English uses /oʊ/.
/ʊ/
book
/bʊk/
Short rounded vowel, relaxed and not as long as /u/.
/u/
blue
/blu/
Round the lips more and hold the vowel a little longer.
/ʌ/
cup
/kʌp/
Relax the jaw and tongue in the center of the mouth.
/ə/
about
/əˈbaʊt/
Very short, relaxed vowel in unstressed syllables.
/ɝ/
bird
/bɝd/
Hold a strong American r-colored vowel.
/ɚ/
teacher
/ˈtitʃɚ/
A short weak vowel with American r-color.
/aɪ/
my
/maɪ/
Start open /a/ and glide toward /ɪ/.
/aʊ/
now
/naʊ/
Start open and glide to rounded /ʊ/.
/ɔɪ/
boy
/bɔɪ/
Start rounded /ɔ/ and glide toward /ɪ/.
Consonant sounds
American English consonant lessons
Work through each consonant with mouth position, common spellings, minimal pairs, correction tips, and a self-study checklist.
/p/Voiceless stop consonant
/p/ as in pen
Close both lips, build air, then release with a small puff.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Put both lips together. Stop the air. Open the lips quickly. Keep the voice off.
Common spellings
- p: pen
- pp: happy
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
pen - pen - pen
paper - paper - paper
happy - happy - happy
cup - cup - cup
park - park - park
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
pen
/pɛn/
paper
/ˈpeɪpɚ/
happy
/ˈhæpi/
cup
/kʌp/
park
puppy
pencil
purple
people
open
Minimal Pairs
pat
/pæt/
bat
/bæt/
pin
/pɪn/
bin
/bɪn/
cap
/kæp/
cab
/kæb/
bat
/bæt/
pat
/pæt/
bin
/bɪn/
pin
/pɪn/
cab
/kæb/
cap
/kæp/
Practice Sentences
Please put the pen on the paper.
Say pen, paper, and happy slowly.
I can pronounce cup and park clearly.
Listen to puppy, then repeat pencil.
Record purple and people one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice pen, paper, and happy. I say cup and park slowly. Then I read puppy, pencil, and purple clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Some learners pronounce /p/ like /b/ because they add voice.
Correction tip
Hold your throat gently. You should feel air, not vibration.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say pen clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: pa, pa, pa. Then: pat, pen, paper, cup.
Homework
Record ten /p/ words at the beginning and end of words.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /p/ as in pen?
- pen
- bat
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/b/Voiced stop consonant
/b/ as in book
Close both lips and release with voice.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Put both lips together. Stop the air. Release while your vocal cords vibrate.
Common spellings
- b: book
- bb: rubber
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
book - book - book
baby - baby - baby
table - table - table
cab - cab - cab
blue - blue - blue
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
book
/bʊk/
baby
/ˈbeɪbi/
table
/ˈteɪbəl/
cab
/kæb/
blue
bring
better
busy
about
rubber
Minimal Pairs
bat
/bæt/
pat
/pæt/
bin
/bɪn/
pin
/pɪn/
cab
/kæb/
cap
/kæp/
pat
/pæt/
bat
/bæt/
pin
/pɪn/
bin
/bɪn/
cap
/kæp/
cab
/kæb/
Practice Sentences
Bring the blue book back.
Say book, baby, and table slowly.
I can pronounce cab and blue clearly.
Listen to bring, then repeat better.
Record busy and about one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice book, baby, and table. I say cab and blue slowly. Then I read bring, better, and busy clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Final /b/ may become /p/ if the voice disappears.
Correction tip
Keep a gentle vibration through the final consonant.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say book clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: ba, ba, ba. Then contrast: cap, cab; rope, robe.
Homework
Read five short sentences with final /b/ and keep the ending voiced.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /b/ as in book?
- book
- pat
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/t/Voiceless stop consonant
/t/ as in time
Touch the ridge behind your top teeth and release air.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Place the tongue tip on the alveolar ridge. Stop the air. Release without voice.
Common spellings
- t: time
- tt: letter
- ed: walked
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
time - time - time
today - today - today
water - water - water
cat - cat - cat
tea - tea - tea
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
time
/taɪm/
today
/təˈdeɪ/
water
/ˈwɑtɚ/
cat
/kæt/
tea
table
teacher
better
little
write
Minimal Pairs
ten
/tɛn/
den
/dɛn/
tie
/taɪ/
die
/daɪ/
seat
/sit/
seed
/sid/
den
/dɛn/
ten
/tɛn/
die
/daɪ/
tie
/taɪ/
seed
/sid/
seat
/sit/
Practice Sentences
Take the test on Tuesday.
Say time, today, and water slowly.
I can pronounce cat and tea clearly.
Listen to table, then repeat teacher.
Record better and little one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice time, today, and water. I say cat and tea slowly. Then I read table, teacher, and better clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may make /t/ too dental or add a vowel after final /t/.
Correction tip
Touch the ridge behind the teeth and finish cleanly: cat, not cat-uh.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say time clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: tea, tie, ten, cat, seat.
Homework
Mark final /t/ in a paragraph and read it without adding extra vowels.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /t/ as in time?
- time
- den
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/d/Voiced stop consonant
/d/ as in day
Use the same tongue place as /t/, but add voice.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Touch the alveolar ridge with the tongue tip. Stop the air. Release with vibration.
Common spellings
- d: day
- dd: ladder
- ed: played
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
day - day - day
dinner - dinner - dinner
ladder - ladder - ladder
red - red - red
do - do - do
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
day
/deɪ/
dinner
/ˈdɪnɚ/
ladder
/ˈlædɚ/
red
/rɛd/
do
door
deep
dollar
middle
ready
Minimal Pairs
do
/du/
two
/tu/
den
/dɛn/
ten
/tɛn/
seed
/sid/
seat
/sit/
two
/tu/
do
/du/
ten
/tɛn/
den
/dɛn/
seat
/sit/
seed
/sid/
Practice Sentences
Dan did the dishes today.
Say day, dinner, and ladder slowly.
I can pronounce red and do clearly.
Listen to door, then repeat deep.
Record dollar and middle one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice day, dinner, and ladder. I say red and do slowly. Then I read door, deep, and dollar clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Final /d/ can become /t/ if the voice stops too early.
Correction tip
Lengthen the vowel slightly before final /d/: bad, bed, made.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say day clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: do, day, done, red, made.
Homework
Practice ten past-tense verbs that end in /d/: played, lived, called.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /d/ as in day?
- day
- two
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/k/Voiceless stop consonant
/k/ as in cat
Lift the back of your tongue, stop the air, then release.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Raise the back of the tongue to the soft palate. Release without voice.
Common spellings
- c: cat
- k: keep
- ck: back
- ch: school
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
cat - cat - cat
keep - keep - keep
school - school - school
back - back - back
key - key - key
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
cat
/kæt/
keep
/kip/
school
/skul/
back
/bæk/
key
class
clean
quick
music
market
Minimal Pairs
came
/keɪm/
game
/geɪm/
coat
/koʊt/
goat
/goʊt/
back
/bæk/
bag
/bæg/
game
/geɪm/
came
/keɪm/
goat
/goʊt/
coat
/koʊt/
bag
/bæg/
back
/bæk/
Practice Sentences
Keep the cup in the kitchen.
Say cat, keep, and school slowly.
I can pronounce back and key clearly.
Listen to class, then repeat clean.
Record quick and music one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice cat, keep, and school. I say back and key slowly. Then I read class, clean, and quick clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Some learners make /k/ too weak at the ends of words.
Correction tip
Release the final /k/ lightly, especially before a vowel.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say cat clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: key, car, cup, back, take.
Homework
Read a list of words with c, k, ck, and ch pronounced /k/.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /k/ as in cat?
- cat
- game
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/g/Voiced stop consonant
/g/ as in go
Use the back of your tongue and keep the voice on.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Raise the back of the tongue to the soft palate. Release with vibration.
Common spellings
- g: go
- gg: bigger
- gh: ghost
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
go - go - go
good - good - good
again - again - again
bag - bag - bag
green - green - green
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
go
/goʊ/
good
/gʊd/
again
/əˈgɛn/
bag
/bæg/
green
great
bigger
garden
goes
dog
Minimal Pairs
goat
/goʊt/
coat
/koʊt/
game
/geɪm/
came
/keɪm/
bag
/bæg/
back
/bæk/
coat
/koʊt/
goat
/goʊt/
came
/keɪm/
game
/geɪm/
back
/bæk/
bag
/bæg/
Practice Sentences
Gary got a good grade.
Say go, good, and again slowly.
I can pronounce bag and green clearly.
Listen to great, then repeat bigger.
Record garden and goes one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice go, good, and again. I say bag and green slowly. Then I read great, bigger, and garden clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Final /g/ may sound like /k/ when voicing is lost.
Correction tip
Keep the vowel before /g/ a little longer and keep vibration.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say go clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: go, good, again, big, bag.
Homework
Record final /g/ words and compare them with final /k/ words.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /g/ as in go?
- go
- coat
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/f/Voiceless fricative consonant
/f/ as in fine
Touch the top teeth to the lower lip and blow air.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Rest the top teeth on the lower lip. Let air pass continuously. Do not voice.
Common spellings
- f: fine
- ff: coffee
- ph: phone
- gh: laugh
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
fine - fine - fine
coffee - coffee - coffee
phone - phone - phone
laugh - laugh - laugh
family - family - family
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
fine
/faɪn/
coffee
/ˈkɑfi/
phone
/foʊn/
laugh
/læf/
family
feel
first
four
after
office
Minimal Pairs
fan
/fæn/
van
/væn/
safe
/seɪf/
save
/seɪv/
fine
/faɪn/
vine
/vaɪn/
van
/væn/
fan
/fæn/
save
/seɪv/
safe
/seɪf/
vine
/vaɪn/
fine
/faɪn/
Practice Sentences
Five friends found fresh fruit.
Say fine, coffee, and phone slowly.
I can pronounce laugh and family clearly.
Listen to feel, then repeat first.
Record four and after one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice fine, coffee, and phone. I say laugh and family slowly. Then I read feel, first, and four clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Some learners use /p/ instead of /f/ because the lips close fully.
Correction tip
Keep a small air path between teeth and lip; do not close both lips.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say fine clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Hold /f/ for two seconds: fff. Then say fine, coffee, phone.
Homework
Find five ph words and five f words. Pronounce them the same way.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /f/ as in fine?
- fine
- van
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/v/Voiced fricative consonant
/v/ as in voice
Use teeth and lower lip like /f/, but add voice.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Top teeth touch the lower lip. Air passes continuously while the vocal cords vibrate.
Common spellings
- v: voice
- ve: have
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
voice - voice - voice
very - very - very
seven - seven - seven
have - have - have
visit - visit - visit
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
voice
/vɔɪs/
very
/ˈvɛri/
seven
/ˈsɛvən/
have
/hæv/
visit
video
every
travel
move
love
Minimal Pairs
van
/væn/
fan
/fæn/
save
/seɪv/
safe
/seɪf/
vine
/vaɪn/
fine
/faɪn/
fan
/fæn/
van
/væn/
safe
/seɪf/
save
/seɪv/
fine
/faɪn/
vine
/vaɪn/
Practice Sentences
Victor has a very vivid voice.
Say voice, very, and seven slowly.
I can pronounce have and visit clearly.
Listen to video, then repeat every.
Record travel and move one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice voice, very, and seven. I say have and visit slowly. Then I read video, every, and travel clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Final /v/ may become /f/, especially in have and live.
Correction tip
Keep vibration until the end of the word.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say voice clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Alternate: fff, vvv. Then fan, van; safe, save.
Homework
Record five sentences with have and of pronounced clearly.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /v/ as in voice?
- voice
- fan
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/θ/Voiceless dental fricative consonant
/θ/ as in think
Tongue gently between the teeth. Blow air. No voice.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Place the tongue tip lightly between the teeth. Let air pass over the tongue without vibration.
Common spellings
- th: think, three, both
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
think - think - think
three - three - three
author - author - author
both - both - both
thank - thank - thank
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
think
/θɪŋk/
three
/θri/
author
/ˈɔθɚ/
both
/boʊθ/
thank
third
thick
thin
month
north
Minimal Pairs
thin
/θɪn/
sin
/sɪn/
think
/θɪŋk/
sink
/sɪŋk/
three
/θri/
tree
/tri/
sin
/sɪn/
thin
/θɪn/
sink
/sɪŋk/
think
/θɪŋk/
tree
/tri/
three
/θri/
Practice Sentences
I think three things are helpful.
Say think, three, and author slowly.
I can pronounce both and thank clearly.
Listen to third, then repeat thick.
Record thin and month one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice think, three, and author. I say both and thank slowly. Then I read third, thick, and thin clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners often replace /θ/ with /s/, /t/, or /f/.
Correction tip
Let the tongue be visible for a moment and keep the air flowing.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say think clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat slowly: th, th, think, three, both.
Homework
Practice ten common th words in front of a mirror.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /θ/ as in think?
- think
- sin
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ð/Voiced dental fricative consonant
/ð/ as in this
Tongue gently between the teeth with voice.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Place the tongue tip lightly between the teeth. Let air pass while the vocal cords vibrate.
Common spellings
- th: this, that, mother
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
this - this - this
that - that - that
mother - mother - mother
breathe - breathe - breathe
the - the - the
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
this
/ðɪs/
that
/ðæt/
mother
/ˈmʌðɚ/
breathe
/brið/
the
they
these
those
other
father
Minimal Pairs
then
/ðɛn/
den
/dɛn/
they
/ðeɪ/
day
/deɪ/
breathe
/brið/
brief
/brif/
den
/dɛn/
then
/ðɛn/
day
/deɪ/
they
/ðeɪ/
brief
/brif/
breathe
/brið/
Practice Sentences
This weather is better than that.
Say this, that, and mother slowly.
I can pronounce breathe and the clearly.
Listen to they, then repeat these.
Record those and other one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice this, that, and mother. I say breathe and the slowly. Then I read they, these, and those clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners often replace /ð/ with /d/, /z/, or /v/.
Correction tip
Keep the tongue between the teeth and add a soft buzz.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say this clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Alternate: θ, ð. Then: thin, then; thigh, thy.
Homework
Practice function words: the, this, that, these, those, they.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ð/ as in this?
- this
- den
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/s/Voiceless fricative consonant
/s/ as in see
Smile lightly and send air through a narrow tongue groove.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Keep the tongue close to the alveolar ridge without touching. Let air hiss through.
Common spellings
- s: see
- ss: class
- c: city
- ce: face
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
see - see - see
city - city - city
lesson - lesson - lesson
face - face - face
sun - sun - sun
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
see
/si/
city
/ˈsɪti/
lesson
/ˈlɛsən/
face
/feɪs/
sun
same
school
simple
listen
missing
Minimal Pairs
sip
/sɪp/
zip
/zɪp/
ice
/aɪs/
eyes
/aɪz/
sink
/sɪŋk/
think
/θɪŋk/
zip
/zɪp/
sip
/sɪp/
eyes
/aɪz/
ice
/aɪs/
think
/θɪŋk/
sink
/sɪŋk/
Practice Sentences
Sam saw six small signs.
Say see, city, and lesson slowly.
I can pronounce face and sun clearly.
Listen to same, then repeat school.
Record simple and listen one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice see, city, and lesson. I say face and sun slowly. Then I read same, school, and simple clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may add voice and pronounce final /s/ as /z/.
Correction tip
Keep the throat quiet and let the air hiss.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say see clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Hold /s/: sss. Then read: see, city, class, face.
Homework
Sort ten plural words into /s/, /z/, and /ɪz/ endings.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /s/ as in see?
- see
- zip
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/z/Voiced fricative consonant
/z/ as in zoo
Make the /s/ shape and add voice.
Self-study checklist
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Learn
Keep a narrow air channel near the alveolar ridge and vibrate the vocal cords.
Common spellings
- z: zoo
- s: is
- zz: buzz
- x: example
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
zoo - zoo - zoo
zero - zero - zero
music - music - music
buzz - buzz - buzz
zebra - zebra - zebra
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
zoo
/zu/
zero
/ˈziroʊ/
music
/ˈmjuzɪk/
buzz
/bʌz/
zebra
busy
easy
reason
present
has
Minimal Pairs
zip
/zɪp/
sip
/sɪp/
eyes
/aɪz/
ice
/aɪs/
rise
/raɪz/
rice
/raɪs/
sip
/sɪp/
zip
/zɪp/
ice
/aɪs/
eyes
/aɪz/
rice
/raɪs/
rise
/raɪz/
Practice Sentences
Zoe uses these amazing words.
Say zoo, zero, and music slowly.
I can pronounce buzz and zebra clearly.
Listen to busy, then repeat easy.
Record reason and present one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice zoo, zero, and music. I say buzz and zebra slowly. Then I read busy, easy, and reason clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Final /z/ may become /s/, especially in plurals and third-person verbs.
Correction tip
Keep the vibration through the ending: dogs, plays, learns.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say zoo clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Alternate: sss, zzz. Then ice, eyes; bus, buzz.
Homework
Read twenty words ending in voiced consonants plus -s.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /z/ as in zoo?
- zoo
- sip
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ʃ/Voiceless postalveolar fricative consonant
/ʃ/ as in she
Round the lips slightly and push air over the middle of the tongue.
Self-study checklist
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Learn
Raise the front-middle of the tongue behind the alveolar ridge. Keep the voice off.
Common spellings
- sh: she
- ti: nation
- ci: special
- ss: pressure
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
she - she - she
ship - ship - ship
nation - nation - nation
wash - wash - wash
show - show - show
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
she
/ʃi/
ship
/ʃɪp/
nation
/ˈneɪʃən/
wash
/wɑʃ/
show
short
sure
English
action
special
Minimal Pairs
ship
/ʃɪp/
sip
/sɪp/
she
/ʃi/
see
/si/
cash
/kæʃ/
catch
/kætʃ/
sip
/sɪp/
ship
/ʃɪp/
see
/si/
she
/ʃi/
catch
/kætʃ/
cash
/kæʃ/
Practice Sentences
She showed Sharon the short sheet.
Say she, ship, and nation slowly.
I can pronounce wash and show clearly.
Listen to short, then repeat sure.
Record English and action one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice she, ship, and nation. I say wash and show slowly. Then I read short, sure, and English clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may pronounce /ʃ/ as /s/ because the tongue is too far forward.
Correction tip
Pull the sound slightly back and add gentle lip rounding.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say she clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: she, ship, wash, special, nation.
Homework
Practice five words with sh and five words with ti pronounced /ʃ/.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ʃ/ as in she?
- she
- sip
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ʒ/Voiced postalveolar fricative consonant
/ʒ/ as in measure
Use the /ʃ/ shape with voice.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Raise the middle-front tongue behind the ridge, round the lips slightly, and vibrate.
Common spellings
- s: measure
- si: vision
- g: genre
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
measure - measure - measure
vision - vision - vision
usual - usual - usual
garage - garage - garage
pleasure - pleasure - pleasure
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
measure
/ˈmɛʒɚ/
vision
/ˈvɪʒən/
usual
/ˈjuʒuəl/
garage
/gəˈrɑʒ/
pleasure
decision
usually
visual
treasure
occasion
Minimal Pairs
measure
/ˈmɛʒɚ/
mesher
/ˈmɛʃɚ/
vision
/ˈvɪʒən/
mission
/ˈmɪʃən/
genre
/ˈʒɑnrə/
shah
/ʃɑ/
mesher
/ˈmɛʃɚ/
measure
/ˈmɛʒɚ/
mission
/ˈmɪʃən/
vision
/ˈvɪʒən/
shah
/ʃɑ/
genre
/ˈʒɑnrə/
Practice Sentences
The usual decision was a pleasure.
Say measure, vision, and usual slowly.
I can pronounce garage and pleasure clearly.
Listen to decision, then repeat usually.
Record visual and treasure one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice measure, vision, and usual. I say garage and pleasure slowly. Then I read decision, usually, and visual clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners often replace /ʒ/ with /ʃ/, /z/, or /dʒ/.
Correction tip
Start from /ʃ/, add voice, and avoid a full stop before it.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say measure clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: vision, usual, measure, pleasure.
Homework
Record the words decision, usually, visual, and measure in sentences.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ʒ/ as in measure?
- measure
- mesher
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/h/Voiceless glottal fricative consonant
/h/ as in happy
Breathe out gently before the vowel.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Keep the mouth ready for the next vowel and release a light breath from the throat.
Common spellings
- h: happy
- wh: who
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
happy - happy - happy
home - home - home
ahead - ahead - ahead
who - who - who
hello - hello - hello
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
happy
/ˈhæpi/
home
/hoʊm/
ahead
/əˈhɛd/
who
/hu/
hello
hand
help
history
behind
perhaps
Minimal Pairs
heat
/hit/
eat
/it/
hill
/hɪl/
ill
/ɪl/
hold
/hoʊld/
old
/oʊld/
eat
/it/
heat
/hit/
ill
/ɪl/
hill
/hɪl/
old
/oʊld/
hold
/hoʊld/
Practice Sentences
Hannah has a happy home.
Say happy, home, and ahead slowly.
I can pronounce who and hello clearly.
Listen to hand, then repeat help.
Record history and behind one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice happy, home, and ahead. I say who and hello slowly. Then I read hand, help, and history clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Some learners drop /h/ or add /h/ before vowel-initial words.
Correction tip
Use /h/ only when the spelling and word require it.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say happy clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Alternate: heat, eat; hill, ill; hold, old.
Homework
Read a paragraph and underline every pronounced h.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /h/ as in happy?
- happy
- eat
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/tʃ/Voiceless affricate consonant
/tʃ/ as in chair
Start like /t/ and release into /ʃ/.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Touch near the alveolar ridge, stop the air, then release into a short /ʃ/ sound.
Common spellings
- ch: chair
- tch: watch
- tu: nature
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
chair - chair - chair
choose - choose - choose
teacher - teacher - teacher
watch - watch - watch
cheap - cheap - cheap
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
chair
/tʃɛr/
choose
/tʃuz/
teacher
/ˈtitʃɚ/
watch
/wɑtʃ/
cheap
child
change
chance
kitchen
future
Minimal Pairs
cheap
/tʃip/
sheep
/ʃip/
chop
/tʃɑp/
shop
/ʃɑp/
watch
/wɑtʃ/
wash
/wɑʃ/
sheep
/ʃip/
cheap
/tʃip/
shop
/ʃɑp/
chop
/tʃɑp/
wash
/wɑʃ/
watch
/wɑtʃ/
Practice Sentences
Charlie chose a cheap chair.
Say chair, choose, and teacher slowly.
I can pronounce watch and cheap clearly.
Listen to child, then repeat change.
Record chance and kitchen one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice chair, choose, and teacher. I say watch and cheap slowly. Then I read child, change, and chance clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may pronounce /tʃ/ as /ʃ/ by missing the stop.
Correction tip
Begin with a clear /t/ closure before the release.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say chair clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: t + sh = ch. Then cheap, chair, watch.
Homework
Practice ten words spelled ch and tch.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /tʃ/ as in chair?
- chair
- sheep
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/dʒ/Voiced affricate consonant
/dʒ/ as in job
Start like /d/ and release into /ʒ/ with voice.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Touch near the alveolar ridge, stop the air, and release with vocal vibration.
Common spellings
- j: job
- g: giant
- ge: age
- dg: judge
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
job - job - job
June - June - June
giant - giant - giant
judge - judge - judge
jump - jump - jump
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
job
/dʒɑb/
June
/dʒun/
giant
/ˈdʒaɪənt/
judge
/dʒʌdʒ/
jump
general
enjoy
orange
large
page
Minimal Pairs
job
/dʒɑb/
chop
/tʃɑp/
gin
/dʒɪn/
chin
/tʃɪn/
ridge
/rɪdʒ/
rich
/rɪtʃ/
chop
/tʃɑp/
job
/dʒɑb/
chin
/tʃɪn/
gin
/dʒɪn/
rich
/rɪtʃ/
ridge
/rɪdʒ/
Practice Sentences
Jane enjoys her new job.
Say job, June, and giant slowly.
I can pronounce judge and jump clearly.
Listen to general, then repeat enjoy.
Record orange and large one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice job, June, and giant. I say judge and jump slowly. Then I read general, enjoy, and orange clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Final /dʒ/ may lose voice or become /ʃ/.
Correction tip
Keep the voiced stop before the release: judge, age, large.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say job clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: d + zh = j. Then job, giant, age.
Homework
Collect ten words where g is pronounced /dʒ/.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /dʒ/ as in job?
- job
- chop
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/m/Voiced nasal consonant
/m/ as in man
Close both lips and send voice through the nose.
Self-study checklist
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Learn
Close the lips. Let air flow through the nose while the vocal cords vibrate.
Common spellings
- m: man
- mm: summer
- mb: climb
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
man - man - man
mother - mother - mother
summer - summer - summer
time - time - time
make - make - make
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
man
/mæn/
mother
/ˈmʌðɚ/
summer
/ˈsʌmɚ/
time
/taɪm/
make
more
morning
money
woman
home
Minimal Pairs
mat
/mæt/
bat
/bæt/
sum
/sʌm/
sun
/sʌn/
ram
/ræm/
ran
/ræn/
bat
/bæt/
mat
/mæt/
sun
/sʌn/
sum
/sʌm/
ran
/ræn/
ram
/ræm/
Practice Sentences
My mother made more memories.
Say man, mother, and summer slowly.
I can pronounce time and make clearly.
Listen to more, then repeat morning.
Record money and woman one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice man, mother, and summer. I say time and make slowly. Then I read more, morning, and money clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Final /m/ can become unclear if the lips do not close.
Correction tip
Finish with closed lips and a short nasal hum.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say man clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Hum /m/ for one second. Then man, mother, time.
Homework
Read five sentences and hold every final /m/ briefly.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /m/ as in man?
- man
- bat
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/n/Voiced nasal consonant
/n/ as in night
Touch the ridge behind the teeth and send voice through the nose.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Put the tongue tip on the alveolar ridge. Let air flow through the nose with voice.
Common spellings
- n: night
- nn: dinner
- kn: know
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
night - night - night
new - new - new
dinner - dinner - dinner
sun - sun - sun
need - need - need
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
night
/naɪt/
new
/nu/
dinner
/ˈdɪnɚ/
sun
/sʌn/
need
number
never
sunny
phone
green
Minimal Pairs
no
/noʊ/
go
/goʊ/
sun
/sʌn/
sum
/sʌm/
ran
/ræn/
rang
/ræŋ/
go
/goʊ/
no
/noʊ/
sum
/sʌm/
sun
/sʌn/
rang
/ræŋ/
ran
/ræn/
Practice Sentences
Nina needs nine new notebooks.
Say night, new, and dinner slowly.
I can pronounce sun and need clearly.
Listen to number, then repeat never.
Record sunny and phone one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice night, new, and dinner. I say sun and need slowly. Then I read number, never, and sunny clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may confuse final /n/ and /ŋ/.
Correction tip
For /n/, the tongue tip touches behind the teeth.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say night clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Alternate: sun, sung; ran, rang; sin, sing.
Homework
Record final n words and check that your tongue tip touches the ridge.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /n/ as in night?
- night
- go
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ŋ/Voiced velar nasal consonant
/ŋ/ as in sing
Raise the back of the tongue and send voice through the nose.
Self-study checklist
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Learn
Lift the back of the tongue to the soft palate. Keep the tongue tip down.
Common spellings
- ng: sing
- n before k/g: bank, finger
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
sing - sing - sing
long - long - long
bank - bank - bank
finger - finger - finger
song - song - song
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
sing
/sɪŋ/
long
/lɔŋ/
bank
/bæŋk/
finger
/ˈfɪŋgɚ/
song
thing
morning
English
strong
young
Minimal Pairs
sing
/sɪŋ/
sin
/sɪn/
rang
/ræŋ/
ran
/ræn/
sung
/sʌŋ/
sun
/sʌn/
sin
/sɪn/
sing
/sɪŋ/
ran
/ræn/
rang
/ræŋ/
sun
/sʌn/
sung
/sʌŋ/
Practice Sentences
We are singing a long song.
Say sing, long, and bank slowly.
I can pronounce finger and song clearly.
Listen to thing, then repeat morning.
Record English and strong one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice sing, long, and bank. I say finger and song slowly. Then I read thing, morning, and English clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may add a hard /g/ at the end: sing-g.
Correction tip
In common -ing endings, finish with /ŋ/ and no extra /g/.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say sing clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: sing, singing, long, song, bank.
Homework
Read ten -ing verbs and keep the tongue tip down.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ŋ/ as in sing?
- sing
- sin
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/l/Voiced lateral consonant
/l/ as in light
Touch the ridge with the tongue tip and let air pass around the sides.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Place the tongue tip on the alveolar ridge. Let the voice continue around the sides of the tongue.
Common spellings
- l: light
- ll: yellow
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
light - light - light
lesson - lesson - lesson
yellow - yellow - yellow
feel - feel - feel
learn - learn - learn
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
light
/laɪt/
lesson
/ˈlɛsən/
yellow
/ˈjɛloʊ/
feel
/fil/
learn
language
listen
little
family
school
Minimal Pairs
light
/laɪt/
right
/raɪt/
lock
/lɑk/
rock
/rɑk/
feel
/fil/
fear
/fɪr/
right
/raɪt/
light
/laɪt/
rock
/rɑk/
lock
/lɑk/
fear
/fɪr/
feel
/fil/
Practice Sentences
Lily likes learning long lessons.
Say light, lesson, and yellow slowly.
I can pronounce feel and learn clearly.
Listen to language, then repeat listen.
Record little and family one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice light, lesson, and yellow. I say feel and learn slowly. Then I read language, listen, and little clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may confuse /l/ and /r/ or make final /l/ too vowel-like.
Correction tip
For clear /l/, touch the ridge with the tongue tip.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say light clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Alternate: light, right; lock, rock; late, rate.
Homework
Practice ten initial /l/ words and ten final /l/ words.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /l/ as in light?
- light
- right
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/r/Voiced approximant consonant
/r/ as in red
Pull the tongue back slightly; do not touch the ridge.
Self-study checklist
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Learn
Raise and pull the tongue back. Keep the sides lifted and the center open. Round the lips slightly if helpful.
Common spellings
- r: red
- rr: sorry
- wr: write
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
red - red - red
right - right - right
sorry - sorry - sorry
car - car - car
read - read - read
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
red
/rɛd/
right
/raɪt/
sorry
/ˈsɑri/
car
/kɑr/
read
really
around
correct
teacher
hard
Minimal Pairs
right
/raɪt/
light
/laɪt/
rock
/rɑk/
lock
/lɑk/
fear
/fɪr/
feel
/fil/
light
/laɪt/
right
/raɪt/
lock
/lɑk/
rock
/rɑk/
feel
/fil/
fear
/fɪr/
Practice Sentences
Rachel read the red report.
Say red, right, and sorry slowly.
I can pronounce car and read clearly.
Listen to really, then repeat around.
Record correct and teacher one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice red, right, and sorry. I say car and read slowly. Then I read really, around, and correct clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may make /r/ like /l/, a trill, or a vowel.
Correction tip
Keep the tongue from tapping or touching. Hold a steady American /r/ shape.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say red clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: red, right, around, car, teacher.
Homework
Record yourself saying car, hard, bird, and teacher in sentences.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /r/ as in red?
- red
- light
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/j/Voiced palatal approximant consonant
/j/ as in yes
Start like the vowel /i/ and glide into the next vowel.
Self-study checklist
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Learn
Raise the front of the tongue near the hard palate, then glide quickly into the vowel.
Common spellings
- y: yes
- u: use
- eau: beauty
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
yes - yes - yes
you - you - you
use - use - use
beyond - beyond - beyond
year - year - year
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
yes
/jɛs/
you
/ju/
use
/juz/
beyond
/biˈjɑnd/
year
young
yellow
yesterday
Minimal Pairs
yes
/jɛs/
less
/lɛs/
yell
/jɛl/
well
/wɛl/
year
/jɪr/
ear
/ɪr/
less
/lɛs/
yes
/jɛs/
well
/wɛl/
yell
/jɛl/
ear
/ɪr/
year
/jɪr/
Practice Sentences
Yes, young students use English.
Say yes, you, and use slowly.
I can pronounce beyond and year clearly.
Listen to young, then repeat yellow.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice yes, you, and use. I say beyond and year slowly. Then I read young, yellow, and yesterday clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may drop /j/ in words like use or year.
Correction tip
Begin with a quick /i/ glide before the vowel.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say yes clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: yes, you, year, use, beyond.
Homework
Practice five sentences with you, your, year, and use.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /j/ as in yes?
- yes
- less
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/w/Voiced labiovelar approximant consonant
/w/ as in water
Round the lips and glide into the vowel.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Round the lips tightly, raise the back of the tongue slightly, then open into the vowel.
Common spellings
- w: water
- wh: when
- u: quick
- o: one
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
water - water - water
we - we - we
quick - quick - quick
one - one - one
word - word - word
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
water
/ˈwɑtɚ/
we
/wi/
quick
/kwɪk/
one
/wʌn/
word
window
weather
away
always
question
Minimal Pairs
wet
/wɛt/
vet
/vɛt/
wine
/waɪn/
vine
/vaɪn/
west
/wɛst/
best
/bɛst/
vet
/vɛt/
wet
/wɛt/
vine
/vaɪn/
wine
/waɪn/
best
/bɛst/
west
/wɛst/
Practice Sentences
We will watch the warm water.
Say water, we, and quick slowly.
I can pronounce one and word clearly.
Listen to window, then repeat weather.
Record away and always one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice water, we, and quick. I say one and word slowly. Then I read window, weather, and away clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may pronounce /w/ like /v/ if the teeth touch the lip.
Correction tip
Round both lips. Do not touch the teeth to the lower lip.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say water clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Alternate: wet, vet; wine, vine; west, vest.
Homework
Record ten words beginning with w and check for lip rounding.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /w/ as in water?
- water
- vet
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
Review checkpoint
Consonants Review
Review clear consonant endings, voicing, air release, and common contrasts such as /p/ vs /b/, /θ/ vs /s/, and /r/ vs /l/.
10-word reading challenge
penbooktimedaycatgothinkthischairred
5 comparison pairs
- pat - bat
- thin - sin
- three - tree
- ship - sip
- right - light
Read the sentences
Please put the pen on the paper.
This teacher thinks carefully.
Rachel read the red report.
Charlie chose a cheap chair.
We will watch the warm water.
Review quiz
Which sound is voiceless: /p/ or /b/?
Which word has /θ/: think or sink?
Which word has /r/: light or right?
Which final sound is voiced: cap or cab?
Which sound starts chair?
Recording task
Record the word list, the minimal pairs, and all five sentences. Listen again for final sounds and voiced/voiceless contrasts.
Vowel sounds
American English vowel lessons
Study American English vowels and diphthongs with consistent IPA, example words, mouth-position notes, and focused practice.
/i/High front tense vowel
/i/ as in see
Smile lightly, tongue high and forward, long clear vowel.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Keep the jaw fairly closed. Move the tongue high and forward. Spread the lips slightly.
Common spellings
- ee: see
- ea: speak
- e: me
- ie: field
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
see - see - see
need - need - need
teacher - teacher - teacher
green - green - green
sheep - sheep - sheep
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
see
/si/
need
/nid/
teacher
/ˈtitʃɚ/
green
/grin/
sheep
seat
clean
speak
keep
team
Minimal Pairs
sheep
/ʃip/
ship
/ʃɪp/
seat
/sit/
sit
/sɪt/
leave
/liv/
live
/lɪv/
ship
/ʃɪp/
sheep
/ʃip/
sit
/sɪt/
seat
/sit/
live
/lɪv/
leave
/liv/
Practice Sentences
We need three clean sheets.
Say see, need, and teacher slowly.
I can pronounce green and sheep clearly.
Listen to seat, then repeat clean.
Record speak and keep one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice see, need, and teacher. I say green and sheep slowly. Then I read seat, clean, and speak clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may shorten /i/ and make it sound like /ɪ/.
Correction tip
Hold the vowel a little longer and keep the tongue high.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say see clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: see, seat, sheep, green, teacher.
Homework
Record minimal pairs with /i/ and /ɪ/ and compare vowel length.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /i/ as in see?
- see
- ship
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ɪ/High front lax vowel
/ɪ/ as in sit
Short, relaxed vowel. Tongue is high, but lower than /i/.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Relax the lips and jaw. Keep the tongue near the front but not as high or tense as /i/.
Common spellings
- i: sit
- y: gym
- ui: build
- e: pretty
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
sit - sit - sit
little - little - little
build - build - build
pretty - pretty - pretty
ship - ship - ship
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
sit
/sɪt/
little
/ˈlɪtəl/
build
/bɪld/
pretty
/ˈprɪti/
ship
fish
milk
big
minute
women
Minimal Pairs
ship
/ʃɪp/
sheep
/ʃip/
sit
/sɪt/
seat
/sit/
live
/lɪv/
leave
/liv/
sheep
/ʃip/
ship
/ʃɪp/
seat
/sit/
sit
/sɪt/
leave
/liv/
live
/lɪv/
Practice Sentences
This little dish is delicious.
Say sit, little, and build slowly.
I can pronounce pretty and ship clearly.
Listen to fish, then repeat milk.
Record big and minute one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice sit, little, and build. I say pretty and ship slowly. Then I read fish, milk, and big clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners often pronounce /ɪ/ too tense, like /i/.
Correction tip
Relax the vowel. Do not smile too much or hold it too long.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say sit clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: sit, six, little, build, pretty.
Homework
Practice /ɪ/ words in short sentences with a relaxed jaw.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ɪ/ as in sit?
- sit
- sheep
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/eɪ/Front closing diphthong
/eɪ/ as in day
Start at /e/ and glide gently toward /ɪ/.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Begin with a mid-front tongue position and move upward slightly as the sound finishes.
Common spellings
- a_e: name
- ai: rain
- ay: day
- ei: eight
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
day - day - day
name - name - name
rain - rain - rain
eight - eight - eight
say - say - say
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
day
/deɪ/
name
/neɪm/
rain
/reɪn/
eight
/eɪt/
say
make
take
late
table
paper
Minimal Pairs
late
/leɪt/
let
/lɛt/
main
/meɪn/
men
/mɛn/
made
/meɪd/
mad
/mæd/
let
/lɛt/
late
/leɪt/
men
/mɛn/
main
/meɪn/
mad
/mæd/
made
/meɪd/
Practice Sentences
They stayed late today.
Say day, name, and rain slowly.
I can pronounce eight and say clearly.
Listen to make, then repeat take.
Record late and table one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice day, name, and rain. I say eight and say slowly. Then I read make, take, and late clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may pronounce /eɪ/ as a flat /ɛ/ or /æ/.
Correction tip
Add the small upward glide at the end: day, name, late.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say day clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: day, say, rain, name, late.
Homework
Read ten a_e words and ten ai/ay words aloud.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /eɪ/ as in day?
- day
- let
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ɛ/Mid front lax vowel
/ɛ/ as in pen
Short open vowel, like a relaxed smile.
Self-study checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Learn
Open the jaw slightly. Keep the tongue front and mid-low. Lips are relaxed.
Common spellings
- e: pen
- ea: bread
- ai: said
- ie: friend
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
pen - pen - pen
red - red - red
bread - bread - bread
friend - friend - friend
ten - ten - ten
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
pen
/pɛn/
red
/rɛd/
bread
/brɛd/
friend
/frɛnd/
ten
best
help
message
ready
many
Minimal Pairs
pen
/pɛn/
pan
/pæn/
bed
/bɛd/
bad
/bæd/
let
/lɛt/
late
/leɪt/
pan
/pæn/
pen
/pɛn/
bad
/bæd/
bed
/bɛd/
late
/leɪt/
let
/lɛt/
Practice Sentences
Ben left ten red pens.
Say pen, red, and bread slowly.
I can pronounce friend and ten clearly.
Listen to best, then repeat help.
Record message and ready one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice pen, red, and bread. I say friend and ten slowly. Then I read best, help, and message clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may confuse /ɛ/ with /æ/ or /eɪ/.
Correction tip
Keep it short and centered between /ɪ/ and /æ/.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say pen clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: pen, ten, red, bread, friend.
Homework
Practice pen/pan and bed/bad minimal pairs.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ɛ/ as in pen?
- pen
- pan
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/æ/Low front vowel
/æ/ as in cat
Open the mouth wider than /ɛ/ and keep the tongue forward.
Self-study checklist
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Learn
Open the jaw. Keep the tongue low-front. The lips stay relaxed and unrounded.
Common spellings
- a: cat, map, happy
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
cat - cat - cat
map - map - map
happy - happy - happy
back - back - back
man - man - man
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
cat
/kæt/
map
/mæp/
happy
/ˈhæpi/
back
/bæk/
man
bag
black
apple
family
answer
Minimal Pairs
pan
/pæn/
pen
/pɛn/
bad
/bæd/
bed
/bɛd/
sat
/sæt/
set
/sɛt/
pen
/pɛn/
pan
/pæn/
bed
/bɛd/
bad
/bæd/
set
/sɛt/
sat
/sæt/
Practice Sentences
That black cat sat on the mat.
Say cat, map, and happy slowly.
I can pronounce back and man clearly.
Listen to bag, then repeat black.
Record apple and family one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice cat, map, and happy. I say back and man slowly. Then I read bag, black, and apple clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may make /æ/ too close to /ɛ/.
Correction tip
Open the jaw more and keep the vowel short.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say cat clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: cat, map, back, happy, black.
Homework
Record /æ/ words and check that the mouth opens enough.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /æ/ as in cat?
- cat
- pen
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ɑ/Low back unrounded vowel
/ɑ/ as in hot
Open the jaw and keep lips unrounded.
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Learn
Drop the jaw. Keep the tongue low and back. Do not round the lips.
Common spellings
- o: hot
- a: father
- al: calm
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
hot - hot - hot
father - father - father
coffee - coffee - coffee
calm - calm - calm
job - job - job
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
hot
/hɑt/
father
/ˈfɑðɚ/
coffee
/ˈkɑfi/
calm
/kɑm/
job
stop
doctor
problem
watch
possible
Minimal Pairs
cot
/kɑt/
cat
/kæt/
hot
/hɑt/
hut
/hʌt/
lock
/lɑk/
luck
/lʌk/
cat
/kæt/
cot
/kɑt/
hut
/hʌt/
hot
/hɑt/
luck
/lʌk/
lock
/lɑk/
Practice Sentences
Tom got a hot cup of coffee.
Say hot, father, and coffee slowly.
I can pronounce calm and job clearly.
Listen to stop, then repeat doctor.
Record problem and watch one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice hot, father, and coffee. I say calm and job slowly. Then I read stop, doctor, and problem clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may round the lips or use British /ɒ/.
Correction tip
For American English, keep the lips relaxed and unrounded: hot /hɑt/.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say hot clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: hot, coffee, father, calm, lock.
Homework
Practice hot, car, father, and hard with American rhotic vowels where needed.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ɑ/ as in hot?
- hot
- cat
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ɔ/Mid-low back rounded vowel
/ɔ/ as in thought
Round the lips and keep the tongue back.
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Learn
Lower the jaw slightly, move the tongue back, and round the lips.
Common spellings
- aw: saw
- au: author
- ought: thought
- all: ball
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
thought - thought - thought
saw - saw - saw
author - author - author
ball - ball - ball
call - call - call
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
thought
/θɔt/
saw
/sɔ/
author
/ˈɔθɚ/
ball
/bɔl/
call
small
talk
always
because
bought
Minimal Pairs
caught
/kɔt/
cot
/kɑt/
dawn
/dɔn/
Don
/dɑn/
law
/lɔ/
low
/loʊ/
cot
/kɑt/
caught
/kɔt/
Don
/dɑn/
dawn
/dɔn/
low
/loʊ/
law
/lɔ/
Practice Sentences
Paul bought a small ball.
Say thought, saw, and author slowly.
I can pronounce ball and call clearly.
Listen to small, then repeat talk.
Record always and because one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice thought, saw, and author. I say ball and call slowly. Then I read small, talk, and always clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Many American accents merge /ɔ/ and /ɑ/, but learners should recognize both symbols.
Correction tip
When distinct, /ɔ/ has more lip rounding than /ɑ/.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say thought clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: saw, thought, author, ball, caught.
Homework
Practice /ɔ/ and /ɑ/ pairs if your target accent keeps them distinct.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ɔ/ as in thought?
- thought
- cot
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/oʊ/Back closing diphthong
/oʊ/ as in go
Start rounded and glide upward; American English uses /oʊ/.
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Learn
Begin with rounded lips and a mid-back tongue. Glide toward /ʊ/ as the vowel ends.
Common spellings
- o: go
- oa: road
- ow: show
- oe: toe
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
go - go - go
home - home - home
road - road - road
show - show - show
no - no - no
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
go
/goʊ/
home
/hoʊm/
road
/roʊd/
show
/ʃoʊ/
no
slow
phone
open
only
Minimal Pairs
go
/goʊ/
gaw
/gɔ/
coat
/koʊt/
caught
/kɔt/
low
/loʊ/
law
/lɔ/
gaw
/gɔ/
go
/goʊ/
caught
/kɔt/
coat
/koʊt/
law
/lɔ/
low
/loʊ/
Practice Sentences
Don't go home alone.
Say go, home, and road slowly.
I can pronounce show and no clearly.
Listen to slow, then repeat phone.
Record open and only one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice go, home, and road. I say show and no slowly. Then I read slow, phone, and open clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may use British /əʊ/ or make the vowel too flat.
Correction tip
Start with clear lip rounding and finish with a small /ʊ/ glide.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say go clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: go, home, road, show, alone.
Homework
Record ten words spelled o, oa, and ow with /oʊ/.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /oʊ/ as in go?
- go
- gaw
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ʊ/High back lax rounded vowel
/ʊ/ as in book
Short rounded vowel, relaxed and not as long as /u/.
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Round the lips lightly. Keep the tongue high-back but relaxed.
Common spellings
- oo: book
- u: put
- oul: could
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
book - book - book
good - good - good
put - put - put
could - could - could
look - look - look
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
book
/bʊk/
good
/gʊd/
put
/pʊt/
could
/kʊd/
look
cook
should
woman
push
sugar
Minimal Pairs
full
/fʊl/
fool
/ful/
pull
/pʊl/
pool
/pul/
could
/kʊd/
cooed
/kud/
fool
/ful/
full
/fʊl/
pool
/pul/
pull
/pʊl/
cooed
/kud/
could
/kʊd/
Practice Sentences
Look at the good cookbook.
Say book, good, and put slowly.
I can pronounce could and look clearly.
Listen to cook, then repeat should.
Record woman and push one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice book, good, and put. I say could and look slowly. Then I read cook, should, and woman clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may pronounce /ʊ/ as long /u/.
Correction tip
Keep it short, relaxed, and less rounded than /u/.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say book clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: book, good, put, could, look.
Homework
Practice /ʊ/ and /u/ pairs: full/fool, pull/pool.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ʊ/ as in book?
- book
- fool
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/u/High back tense rounded vowel
/u/ as in blue
Round the lips more and hold the vowel a little longer.
Self-study checklist
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Learn
Round the lips. Raise the back of the tongue high. Keep the vowel clear and tense.
Common spellings
- oo: food
- u_e: rule
- ue: blue
- ew: new
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
blue - blue - blue
food - food - food
rule - rule - rule
new - new - new
two - two - two
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
blue
/blu/
food
/fud/
rule
/rul/
new
/nu/
two
school
student
room
music
move
Minimal Pairs
fool
/ful/
full
/fʊl/
pool
/pul/
pull
/pʊl/
Luke
/luk/
look
/lʊk/
full
/fʊl/
fool
/ful/
pull
/pʊl/
pool
/pul/
look
/lʊk/
Luke
/luk/
Practice Sentences
Sue chose two blue shoes.
Say blue, food, and rule slowly.
I can pronounce new and two clearly.
Listen to school, then repeat student.
Record room and music one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice blue, food, and rule. I say new and two slowly. Then I read school, student, and room clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may make /u/ too short or too central.
Correction tip
Round the lips and keep the tongue high-back.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say blue clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: blue, two, food, rule, new.
Homework
Read ten /u/ words and hold the vowel slightly longer than /ʊ/.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /u/ as in blue?
- blue
- full
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ʌ/Mid central stressed vowel
/ʌ/ as in cup
Relax the jaw and tongue in the center of the mouth.
Self-study checklist
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Learn
Open the mouth slightly. Keep the tongue central and relaxed. Lips are unrounded.
Common spellings
- u: cup
- o: love
- ou: young
- oo: blood
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
cup - cup - cup
love - love - love
young - young - young
blood - blood - blood
sun - sun - sun
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
cup
/kʌp/
love
/lʌv/
young
/jʌŋ/
blood
/blʌd/
sun
fun
money
brother
enough
other
Minimal Pairs
cup
/kʌp/
cap
/kæp/
luck
/lʌk/
lock
/lɑk/
hut
/hʌt/
hot
/hɑt/
cap
/kæp/
cup
/kʌp/
lock
/lɑk/
luck
/lʌk/
hot
/hɑt/
hut
/hʌt/
Practice Sentences
My brother loves a sunny lunch.
Say cup, love, and young slowly.
I can pronounce blood and sun clearly.
Listen to fun, then repeat money.
Record brother and enough one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice cup, love, and young. I say blood and sun slowly. Then I read fun, money, and brother clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may use /ɑ/ or /æ/ instead of /ʌ/.
Correction tip
Keep the vowel central, short, and relaxed.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say cup clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: cup, love, young, lunch, brother.
Homework
Practice cup/cap and luck/lock minimal pairs.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ʌ/ as in cup?
- cup
- cap
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ə/Unstressed central vowel
/ə/ as in about
Very short, relaxed vowel in unstressed syllables.
Self-study checklist
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Learn
Relax the tongue and jaw in a neutral position. Keep the vowel weak and short.
Common spellings
- a: about
- e: problem
- o: lesson
- u: support
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
about - about - about
teacher - teacher - teacher
support - support - support
problem - problem - problem
again - again - again
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
about
/əˈbaʊt/
teacher
/ˈtitʃɚ/
support
/səˈpɔrt/
problem
/ˈprɑbləm/
again
sofa
lesson
today
around
banana
Minimal Pairs
a bout
/ə ˈbaʊt/
about
/əˈbaʊt/
conduct noun
/ˈkɑndəkt/
conduct verb
/kənˈdʌkt/
present noun
/ˈprɛzənt/
present verb
/prɪˈzɛnt/
about
/əˈbaʊt/
a bout
/ə ˈbaʊt/
conduct verb
/kənˈdʌkt/
conduct noun
/ˈkɑndəkt/
present verb
/prɪˈzɛnt/
present noun
/ˈprɛzənt/
Practice Sentences
I have a question about pronunciation.
Say about, teacher, and support slowly.
I can pronounce problem and again clearly.
Listen to sofa, then repeat lesson.
Record today and around one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice about, teacher, and support. I say problem and again slowly. Then I read sofa, lesson, and today clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may pronounce every written vowel strongly.
Correction tip
Reduce unstressed vowels to schwa when natural American rhythm requires it.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say about clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: about, support, problem, teacher.
Homework
Mark weak syllables in ten common words and reduce them.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ə/ as in about?
- about
- about
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ɝ/Stressed rhotic vowel
/ɝ/ as in bird
Hold a strong American r-colored vowel.
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Pull the tongue back and raise the sides. Keep the center of the tongue tense without touching the roof.
Common spellings
- ir: bird
- er: her
- ur: turn
- ear: learn
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
bird - bird - bird
first - first - first
learn - learn - learn
turn - turn - turn
girl - girl - girl
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
bird
/bɝd/
first
/fɝst/
learn
/lɝn/
turn
/tɝn/
girl
word
work
world
heard
early
Minimal Pairs
bird
/bɝd/
bed
/bɛd/
fur
/fɝ/
far
/fɑr/
work
/wɝk/
walk
/wɔk/
bed
/bɛd/
bird
/bɝd/
far
/fɑr/
fur
/fɝ/
walk
/wɔk/
work
/wɝk/
Practice Sentences
The first word was perfect.
Say bird, first, and learn slowly.
I can pronounce turn and girl clearly.
Listen to word, then repeat work.
Record world and heard one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice bird, first, and learn. I say turn and girl slowly. Then I read word, work, and world clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may drop the r-color or use a non-rhotic British-style vowel.
Correction tip
Keep the American /r/ quality inside the vowel.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say bird clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: bird, first, learn, turn, work.
Homework
Record ten stressed er/ir/ur words and keep the r-color strong.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ɝ/ as in bird?
- bird
- bed
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ɚ/Unstressed rhotic vowel
/ɚ/ as in teacher
A short weak vowel with American r-color.
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Relax into schwa, then add light r-color by pulling the tongue back.
Common spellings
- er: teacher
- or: doctor
- ar: dollar
- ure: picture
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
teacher - teacher - teacher
doctor - doctor - doctor
better - better - better
picture - picture - picture
mother - mother - mother
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
teacher
/ˈtitʃɚ/
doctor
/ˈdɑktɚ/
better
/ˈbɛtɚ/
picture
/ˈpɪktʃɚ/
mother
father
summer
color
dollar
answer
Minimal Pairs
teacher
/ˈtitʃɚ/
teach
/titʃ/
bigger
/ˈbɪgɚ/
big
/bɪg/
doctor
/ˈdɑktɚ/
dock
/dɑk/
teach
/titʃ/
teacher
/ˈtitʃɚ/
big
/bɪg/
bigger
/ˈbɪgɚ/
dock
/dɑk/
doctor
/ˈdɑktɚ/
Practice Sentences
The teacher answered better.
Say teacher, doctor, and better slowly.
I can pronounce picture and mother clearly.
Listen to father, then repeat summer.
Record color and dollar one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice teacher, doctor, and better. I say picture and mother slowly. Then I read father, summer, and color clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may drop final r in teacher or over-stress the ending.
Correction tip
Keep it short, weak, and rhotic: teacher /ˈtitʃɚ/.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say teacher clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: teacher, doctor, better, picture.
Homework
Read ten -er final words and avoid adding a strong extra syllable.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ɚ/ as in teacher?
- teacher
- teach
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/aɪ/Low-to-high fronting diphthong
/aɪ/ as in my
Start open /a/ and glide toward /ɪ/.
Self-study checklist
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Learn
Open the jaw at the start, then raise the tongue and close the mouth slightly.
Common spellings
- i: my
- y: sky
- igh: light
- ie: tie
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
my - my - my
time - time - time
light - light - light
sky - sky - sky
I - I - I
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
my
/maɪ/
time
/taɪm/
light
/laɪt/
sky
/skaɪ/
I
bike
white
bright
high
write
Minimal Pairs
my
/maɪ/
may
/meɪ/
light
/laɪt/
late
/leɪt/
bite
/baɪt/
bit
/bɪt/
may
/meɪ/
my
/maɪ/
late
/leɪt/
light
/laɪt/
bit
/bɪt/
bite
/baɪt/
Practice Sentences
I like my bright white bike.
Say my, time, and light slowly.
I can pronounce sky and I clearly.
Listen to bike, then repeat white.
Record bright and high one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice my, time, and light. I say sky and I slowly. Then I read bike, white, and bright clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may make /aɪ/ too short or forget the glide.
Correction tip
Open at the start and finish with a clear upward movement.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say my clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: my, time, light, sky, bike.
Homework
Practice i_e, igh, and y spellings for /aɪ/.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /aɪ/ as in my?
- my
- may
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/aʊ/Low-to-high back rounded diphthong
/aʊ/ as in now
Start open and glide to rounded /ʊ/.
Self-study checklist
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Learn
Begin with an open jaw, then round the lips as the vowel closes.
Common spellings
- ow: now
- ou: house
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
now - now - now
house - house - house
around - around - around
loud - loud - loud
out - out - out
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
now
/naʊ/
house
/haʊs/
around
/əˈraʊnd/
loud
/laʊd/
out
down
town
sound
mouth
flower
Minimal Pairs
now
/naʊ/
no
/noʊ/
loud
/laʊd/
load
/loʊd/
house
/haʊs/
hose
/hoʊz/
no
/noʊ/
now
/naʊ/
load
/loʊd/
loud
/laʊd/
hose
/hoʊz/
house
/haʊs/
Practice Sentences
Now our house is downtown.
Say now, house, and around slowly.
I can pronounce loud and out clearly.
Listen to down, then repeat town.
Record sound and mouth one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice now, house, and around. I say loud and out slowly. Then I read down, town, and sound clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may pronounce /aʊ/ like /oʊ/.
Correction tip
Start more open before rounding: now, house, loud.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say now clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: now, house, around, loud, downtown.
Homework
Record ow/ou words and listen for the open start.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /aʊ/ as in now?
- now
- no
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
/ɔɪ/Back-to-front closing diphthong
/ɔɪ/ as in boy
Start rounded /ɔ/ and glide toward /ɪ/.
Self-study checklist
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Learn
Begin with rounded lips, then relax and move the tongue forward and upward.
Common spellings
- oy: boy
- oi: voice
Listen and Repeat
Listen first. Then repeat slowly. Do not rush. Keep the mouth position from the Learn section.
boy - boy - boy
voice - voice - voice
choice - choice - choice
enjoy - enjoy - enjoy
toy - toy - toy
Record Yourself
- 1. Open your phone recorder.
- 2. Read the word list.
- 3. Read the minimal pairs.
- 4. Read the practice paragraph.
- 5. Listen again and check the target sound.
Practice Words
boy
/bɔɪ/
voice
/vɔɪs/
choice
/tʃɔɪs/
enjoy
/ɛnˈdʒɔɪ/
toy
coin
join
point
noise
Minimal Pairs
boy
/bɔɪ/
bay
/beɪ/
voice
/vɔɪs/
vase
/veɪs/
toy
/tɔɪ/
toe
/toʊ/
bay
/beɪ/
boy
/bɔɪ/
vase
/veɪs/
voice
/vɔɪs/
toe
/toʊ/
toy
/tɔɪ/
Practice Sentences
The boy enjoyed the noisy toy.
Say boy, voice, and choice slowly.
I can pronounce enjoy and toy clearly.
Listen to coin, then repeat join.
Record point and noise one more time.
Practice Paragraph
Today I practice boy, voice, and choice. I say enjoy and toy slowly. Then I read coin, join, and point clearly. I record my voice and check the target sound.
Common Mistake and Fix It
Common mistake
Learners may not glide enough from rounded to front.
Correction tip
Start rounded, then move clearly toward /ɪ/.
Self-Check and Mini Quiz
Self-check
- Can I say boy clearly?
- Did I use the mouth position from the Learn section?
- Did I compare the minimal pairs slowly?
- Did I record the paragraph and listen again?
- What is one mistake I can fix next?
Practice drill
Repeat: boy, voice, choice, enjoy, toy.
Homework
Practice oy and oi spelling groups in short sentences.
Check your understanding
Which word practices the target sound in /ɔɪ/ as in boy?
- boy
- bay
- not sure
What should you do after listening?
- Repeat slowly
- Skip the sound
- Read silently only
What is the best final step?
- Record yourself
- Close the lesson
- Ignore mistakes
Review checkpoint
Vowels Review
Review tense and lax vowels, American diphthongs, schwa, and rhotic vowels.
10-word reading challenge
shipsheepcatcuppenpanfullfoolbirdhot
5 comparison pairs
- ship - sheep
- sit - seat
- pen - pan
- full - fool
- hot - hut
Read the sentences
The ship is big.
The sheep is white.
The cat has a cup.
The girl saw a bird.
Luke looked at the book.
Review quiz
Which word has /ɪ/: ship or sheep?
Which word has /æ/: pen or pan?
Which word has /ʊ/: full or fool?
Which word has /ɝ/: bird or bed?
Which word has /ɑ/: hot or hut?
Recording task
Record the vowel word list twice: first slowly, then naturally. Check vowel length and mouth shape.
Need personal feedback?
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Word building
05. Syllables
A syllable is a beat in a word. Clear syllable control helps learners pronounce long English words without rushing.
Learn
- Every syllable has a vowel sound, even when the spelling is confusing.
- English words can have one syllable, such as cat, or many syllables, such as pronunciation.
- Native rhythm depends on strong and weak syllables, not equal timing for every written letter.
1 syllable
cat /kæt/, speak /spik/
2 syllables
teacher /ˈtitʃɚ/, happy /ˈhæpi/
4 syllables
pronunciation /prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/
Practice
- 1Clap once for each vowel sound in a word.
- 2Mark the strongest syllable with a large circle.
- 3Read long words slowly, syllable by syllable, then connect them naturally.
Module checklist
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Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
How many syllables are in teacher?
Answer: Two: teach-er /ˈtitʃɚ/.
Question 2
What sound does every syllable need?
Answer: A vowel sound.
Strong syllables
06. Word Stress
Word stress tells listeners which syllable is strongest. It affects clarity more than many learners expect.
Learn
- A stressed syllable is longer, louder, and clearer.
- Unstressed syllables are shorter and often use schwa /ə/.
- Changing stress can change meaning, especially in noun-verb pairs.
First syllable
TA-ble /ˈteɪbəl/, TEA-cher /ˈtitʃɚ/
Second syllable
a-BOUT /əˈbaʊt/, be-GIN /bɪˈgɪn/
Meaning shift
PRE-sent /ˈprɛzənt/ vs pre-SENT /prɪˈzɛnt/
Practice
- 1Underline the stressed syllable in new vocabulary.
- 2Say the stressed syllable longer and clearer.
- 3Reduce the weak syllables instead of pronouncing every part equally.
Module checklist
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Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
Which syllable is stressed in about?
Answer: The second syllable: a-BOUT /əˈbaʊt/.
Question 2
What often happens to unstressed vowels?
Answer: They often reduce to schwa /ə/.
Meaning in speech
07. Sentence Stress
Sentence stress shows the important words. It makes English sound natural and easier to understand.
Learn
- Content words usually receive stress: nouns, main verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and negatives.
- Function words are usually weak: articles, prepositions, auxiliary verbs, and pronouns.
- The stressed word can change the meaning or contrast.
Neutral
I NEED a NEW NOTEbook.
Contrast
I need a new NOTEbook, not a new PHONE.
Correction
SHE booked the class, not he.
Practice
- 1Circle the words that carry the main message.
- 2Read the sentence once slowly, then again with strong content words.
- 3Practice the same sentence with different stressed words.
Module checklist
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Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
Which words usually carry stress?
Answer: Content words such as nouns, main verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and negatives.
Question 2
Why does sentence stress matter?
Answer: It tells the listener what information is important.
Strong and weak beats
08. Rhythm
American English rhythm alternates strong beats and weak beats. This is why natural speech does not sound syllable-by-syllable.
Learn
- English is stress-timed: important beats are stronger, and weak syllables move quickly between them.
- Rhythm improves listening, speaking speed, and confidence.
- Weak forms help speech flow naturally.
Strong beats
I WANT to SPEAK more CLEARly.
Weak form
to often becomes /tə/ in natural speech.
Rhythm line
DA da da DA da DA da
Practice
- 1Tap the table on stressed words only.
- 2Say the weak words quickly and softly.
- 3Read short sentences with a steady beat.
Module checklist
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Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
Is every English syllable equally strong?
Answer: No. English rhythm uses strong and weak syllables.
Question 2
What happens to many function words?
Answer: They become weak and shorter in natural speech.
Voice movement
09. Intonation
Intonation is the rise and fall of the voice. It helps show questions, certainty, contrast, emotion, and politeness.
Learn
- Falling intonation often sounds complete, certain, or final.
- Rising intonation often appears in yes/no questions or when checking information.
- Fall-rise intonation can show uncertainty, contrast, or polite correction.
Falling
I finished the lesson. ↓
Rising
Did you finish the lesson? ↑
Choice
Do you want tea ↑ or coffee ↓?
Practice
- 1Draw arrows over sentences before speaking.
- 2Practice yes/no questions with a gentle rise.
- 3Practice statements with a clean fall at the end.
Module checklist
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Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
What intonation is common in yes/no questions?
Answer: A rising pattern.
Question 2
What does falling intonation often show?
Answer: Completion, certainty, or finality.
Natural linking
10. Connected Speech
Connected speech explains how words join in real American English. It improves both listening and speaking fluency.
Learn
- Final consonants often link to the next vowel.
- Some sounds blend or change when they meet.
- Weak forms and reductions make common phrases faster.
Linking
turn off -> tur-noff
Blending
did you -> didja /ˈdɪdʒə/
Reduction
going to -> gonna /ˈgʌnə/ in casual speech
Practice
- 1Underline final consonant + next vowel connections.
- 2Read word by word first, then link smoothly.
- 3Listen to a short clip and write the connected phrases you hear.
Module checklist
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Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
What happens in turn off?
Answer: The final /n/ links to the next vowel: tur-noff.
Question 2
Should formal speech use every casual reduction?
Answer: No. Learn reductions for listening, then choose what fits the situation.
Spelling traps
11. Silent Letters
English spelling often includes letters that are not pronounced. Learners need sound patterns, not spelling guesses.
Learn
- Some letters are silent in common words because spelling preserves older forms.
- Silent letters can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of words.
- Pronunciation should be learned from sound and transcription, not spelling alone.
Silent k
know /noʊ/, knife /naɪf/
Silent b
climb /klaɪm/, doubt /daʊt/
Silent gh
thought /θɔt/, though /ðoʊ/
Practice
- 1Make a personal list of silent-letter words.
- 2Cross out silent letters and read only the pronounced sounds.
- 3Check IPA for new words that look confusing.
Module checklist
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Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
Is the k pronounced in know?
Answer: No. know is /noʊ/.
Question 2
Is gh always silent?
Answer: No. It can be silent, /f/ as in laugh, or part of other spelling patterns.
From letters to sounds
12. Spelling-to-Sound Patterns
This module helps learners connect common spellings with American English sounds without trusting spelling blindly.
Learn
- One letter can represent many sounds.
- One sound can have many spellings.
- Patterns are useful, but IPA and listening confirm the correct pronunciation.
Long a /eɪ/
name, rain, day, eight
Long e /i/
see, speak, me, field
th patterns
think /θɪŋk/ vs this /ðɪs/
Practice
- 1Group vocabulary by sound, not spelling.
- 2Write one IPA symbol beside each target word.
- 3Practice words with the same sound but different spelling.
Module checklist
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Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
Can ea be pronounced more than one way?
Answer: Yes: speak /spik/, bread /brɛd/, great /greɪt/.
Question 2
What confirms pronunciation when spelling is unclear?
Answer: Listening and IPA transcription.
Clear endings
13. Final Sounds
Final consonants carry grammar and meaning. Clear endings help listeners understand tense, plurality, and word choice.
Learn
- Do not add an extra vowel after final consonants.
- Keep voiced endings voiced: bag /bæg/, not back /bæk/.
- Final consonant clusters can be practiced in slow steps.
No extra vowel
cat /kæt/, not cat-uh
Voicing contrast
cap /kæp/ vs cab /kæb/
Cluster
asked /æskt/, texts /tɛksts/
Practice
- 1Hold the final sound briefly without adding a vowel.
- 2Practice pairs such as cap/cab and back/bag.
- 3Build clusters one sound at a time: ask, asked.
Module checklist
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Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
Why are final sounds important?
Answer: They can show grammar and distinguish words.
Question 2
What common mistake should you avoid after final consonants?
Answer: Adding an extra vowel sound.
Plural and third person
14. -s Endings
The spelling -s has three common pronunciations: /s/, /z/, and /ɪz/.
Learn
- Use /s/ after voiceless sounds: cups /kʌps/.
- Use /z/ after voiced sounds and vowels: dogs /dɔgz/, plays /pleɪz/.
- Use /ɪz/ after sibilant sounds: classes /ˈklæsɪz/.
/s/
cups, books, laughs
/z/
dogs, pens, days
/ɪz/
classes, watches, judges
Practice
- 1Say the base word and identify the final sound.
- 2Choose /s/, /z/, or /ɪz/ before reading the word.
- 3Practice plural nouns and third-person verbs together.
Module checklist
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Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
How is books pronounced?
Answer: /bʊks/ because /k/ is voiceless.
Question 2
How is judges pronounced?
Answer: /ˈdʒʌdʒɪz/ because it ends in a sibilant sound.
Past tense
15. -ed Endings
The spelling -ed has three common pronunciations: /t/, /d/, and /ɪd/.
Learn
- Use /t/ after voiceless sounds: worked /wɝkt/.
- Use /d/ after voiced sounds and vowels: played /pleɪd/.
- Use /ɪd/ after /t/ or /d/: wanted /ˈwɑntɪd/, needed /ˈnidɪd/.
/t/
walked, watched, laughed
/d/
played, lived, called
/ɪd/
wanted, needed, decided
Practice
- 1Say the base verb and identify the final sound.
- 2Add /t/, /d/, or /ɪd/ based on the sound, not the spelling.
- 3Read a past-tense paragraph and mark each ending.
Module checklist
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Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
How is played pronounced?
Answer: /pleɪd/ because the base ends in a voiced vowel sound.
Question 2
When do we use /ɪd/?
Answer: After base verbs ending in /t/ or /d/.
Problem solving
16. Common ESL Pronunciation Mistakes
This module collects high-impact pronunciation issues that many English learners need to notice and correct.
Learn
- Many mistakes come from using first-language sound categories for English sounds.
- Spelling can create incorrect pronunciation habits.
- Small sound contrasts can change meaning, grammar, and listener confidence.
Sound contrast
/p/ vs /b/, /ɪ/ vs /i/, /θ/ vs /s/
Final endings
cap/cab, books/dogs/classes, walked/played/wanted
Rhythm
Pronouncing every syllable equally can sound unnatural.
Practice
- 1Choose three personal problem sounds.
- 2Practice minimal pairs daily for one week.
- 3Record the same text before and after practice.
Module checklist
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Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
Why should you record yourself?
Answer: Recording helps you notice differences between your pronunciation and the target model.
Question 2
What is a minimal pair?
Answer: Two words that differ by one sound, such as ship and sheep.
Self-study routine
17. Practice Activities
Use these activities to turn the course from reading into real pronunciation improvement.
Learn
- Pronunciation improves through focused repetition, listening, and feedback.
- Short daily practice is more effective than rare long practice sessions.
- Recording and comparing builds awareness.
Minimal pair ladder
ship, sheep, ship, sheep, sit, seat
Shadowing
Listen to one sentence and speak with the same rhythm and intonation.
Recording check
Record, listen, mark one thing to improve, record again.
Practice
- 1Do five minutes of sound practice.
- 2Do five minutes of word and sentence practice.
- 3Do five minutes of recording and comparison.
Module checklist
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Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
What is shadowing?
Answer: Listening and repeating with the same rhythm, stress, and intonation.
Question 2
How long should daily practice be?
Answer: Even 10 to 15 focused minutes can help when done consistently.
Module reviews
Review before the final tests
Use these review checkpoints to test syllables, stress, rhythm, connected speech, endings, and full-course clarity.
Review checkpoint
Syllables Review
Review how words are divided into beats and how every syllable needs a vowel sound.
10-word reading challenge
catteacherhappycomputerpronunciationrecordingstudentpracticeimportantcommunication
5 comparison pairs
- one beat - two beats
- TEA-cher - tea-CHER
- HAP-py - hap-PY
- com-PU-ter - COM-pu-ter
- prac-TICE - PRAC-tice
Read the sentences
My teacher uses a computer.
We practice pronunciation every morning.
Important words need clear syllables.
I can divide long words slowly.
Clear syllables help people understand me.
Review quiz
How many syllables are in teacher?
What does every syllable need?
Which word is longer: cat or computer?
Why do syllables matter?
Should every syllable be equally strong?
Recording task
Clap the syllables, then record the five sentences with clear strong and weak beats.
Review checkpoint
Stress and Rhythm Review
Review word stress, sentence stress, and the strong/weak rhythm of natural American English.
10-word reading challenge
teacheraboutpresentrecordimportantclearlypracticecomputerpronunciationcommunication
5 comparison pairs
- PRE-sent - pre-SENT
- RE-cord - re-CORD
- CON-duct - con-DUCT
- strong beat - weak beat
- content word - function word
Read the sentences
I want to speak more clearly.
My teacher uses a computer.
We practice difficult words slowly.
Clear stress helps people understand me.
I need a new notebook, not a new phone.
Review quiz
Which words usually receive sentence stress?
What happens to many function words?
Which syllable is stressed in about?
Can stress change meaning?
What helps English rhythm sound natural?
Recording task
Record the sentences twice. First over-stress the key words, then make the rhythm natural.
Review checkpoint
Connected Speech Review
Review linking, reductions, and sound changes that help real American English flow.
10-word reading challenge
turn offpick it uplook at itdid yougoing towant tokind ofout ofa lot ofnext time
5 comparison pairs
- turn off - turn it off
- pick up - pick it up
- did you - didja
- want to - wanna
- going to - gonna
Read the sentences
Pick it up and put it on the table.
Turn off the light and open the window.
Look at it again.
Did you want to go now?
I am going to call you later.
Review quiz
What links in turn off?
What can did you sound like in casual speech?
Should every casual reduction be used in formal speech?
Why study connected speech?
What should you do before speaking naturally?
Recording task
Record the sentences slowly, then record them again with natural linking.
Review checkpoint
Endings Review
Review final consonants, -s endings, and -ed endings.
10-word reading challenge
booksdogsclasseswalkedplayedwantedaskedbagswatchedneeded
5 comparison pairs
- cap - cab
- books - bags
- walked - played
- wanted - watched
- asked - added
Read the sentences
Last week, I visited my friend.
We walked to the park and watched the birds.
She packed snacks, books, and drinks.
I helped her carry the bags.
We talked for a long time.
Review quiz
Does books end in /s/, /z/, or /ɪz/?
Does dogs end in /s/, /z/, or /ɪz/?
Does classes end in /s/, /z/, or /ɪz/?
Does worked end in /t/, /d/, or /ɪd/?
Does wanted end in /t/, /d/, or /ɪd/?
Recording task
Record the sentences and check every final sound. Do not add extra vowels after final consonants.
Review checkpoint
Final Course Review
Review sounds, stress, rhythm, connected speech, endings, and self-recording habits.
10-word reading challenge
thinkthisshipsheepteacherbirdwantedplayedturn offpronunciation
5 comparison pairs
- think - sink
- ship - sheep
- cat - cut
- right - light
- worked - played
Read the sentences
My goal is to speak clearly and confidently.
I practice sounds, stress, and rhythm every day.
I listen first, then repeat slowly.
I record myself and check one mistake.
Clear pronunciation helps people understand me.
Review quiz
What should you do before repeating?
What should you use for IPA symbols?
What is the best practice habit?
Should the page grade your speech automatically?
What is the final project?
Recording task
Record a 60- to 90-second speech sample. Compare it with your first recording and choose three next targets.
Practice text library
Extra reading texts for independent practice
Read these short texts after studying the modules. Each text has audio support, a recording task, and a self-check focus.
Clear consonant starts and endings
Consonants Practice Text
Ben picks up a blue book. Tim takes the cup and puts it back. Karen goes to class and gives good answers. Read slowly and keep the final sounds clear.
Record Yourself
Record the paragraph once slowly and once naturally.
Self-check focus
- Did I release final /p/, /t/, and /k/?
- Did I keep /b/, /d/, and /g/ voiced?
- Did I avoid extra vowels after final consonants?
American English vowel contrast
Vowels Practice Text
The sheep is on the ship. The cat has a cup. Luke looked at the book and saw a bird. Practice each vowel slowly before reading the full text.
Record Yourself
Record the paragraph and circle the vowel pair that needs more practice.
Self-check focus
- Did sheep and ship sound different?
- Did cat and cup sound different?
- Did fool and full sound different?
Voiceless and voiced th sounds
/theta/ and /th/ Practice Text
Three students think carefully. They thank their teacher after the lesson. This helps them speak with more confidence. They practice the sound slowly.
Record Yourself
Record the paragraph in front of a mirror and watch your tongue position.
Self-check focus
- Was my tongue gently between my teeth?
- Did think and this sound different?
- Did I avoid saying sink for think?
American /r/ and clear /l/
/r/ and /l/ Practice Text
Rachel likes reading long reports. Lily learns new words in every lesson. They practice right and light slowly. Clear tongue position helps both sounds.
Record Yourself
Record the paragraph and then repeat only the /r/ and /l/ words.
Self-check focus
- Did /r/ avoid touching the roof of my mouth?
- Did /l/ touch behind my top teeth?
- Did right and light sound different?
Tense /i/ and relaxed /ɪ/
/i/ and /ih/ Practice Text
She sees three green trees. Tim sits in the kitchen and drinks milk. The teacher speaks clearly. We need to keep practicing.
Record Yourself
Record the paragraph and check vowel length.
Self-check focus
- Was /i/ longer than /ɪ/?
- Did sheep and ship sound different?
- Did seat and sit sound different?
cat, pen, and cup vowels
/ae/, /eh/, and /uh/ Practice Text
Dan has a red pen and a black cup. He sat at the desk and read the lesson. His brother loves practicing short vowel sounds.
Record Yourself
Record the paragraph and compare cat, pen, and cup.
Self-check focus
- Did cat sound different from cut?
- Did pen sound different from pan?
- Was /ʌ/ central and relaxed?
Strong syllables in longer words
Word Stress Practice Text
My teacher uses a computer. We study pronunciation every morning. I practice difficult words slowly. Clear stress helps people understand me.
Record Yourself
Mark stress before recording, then read the paragraph.
Self-check focus
- Did I stress the strongest syllable?
- Did I reduce weak syllables?
- Did longer words sound organized?
Important words in sentences
Sentence Stress Practice Text
I want to speak more clearly. I need a new notebook, not a new phone. My teacher gives me helpful practice. I record my voice every day.
Record Yourself
Record once with strong content words, then once naturally.
Self-check focus
- Did I stress content words?
- Did I make function words weaker?
- Did the meaning sound clear?
Linking and natural flow
Connected Speech Practice Text
Pick it up and put it on the table. Turn off the light and open the window. Look at it again. Say each sentence slowly, then say it naturally.
Record Yourself
Record the text slowly, then record it with linking.
Self-check focus
- Did I link final consonants to next vowels?
- Did I avoid speaking word by word?
- Could I still speak clearly?
Final consonants, -s endings, and -ed endings
Final Sounds and Endings Practice Text
Last week, I visited my friend. We walked to the park and watched the birds. She packed snacks, books, and drinks. I helped her carry the bags, and we talked for a long time.
Record Yourself
Record the text and check each ending with the answer key.
Self-check focus
- Did visited end with /ɪd/?
- Did walked and watched end with /t/?
- Did books end with /s/ and bags with /z/?
Check your progress
18. Review Tests
Review tests help learners confirm that they can recognize sounds, choose endings, and apply stress patterns.
Learn
- A review test should check listening, pronunciation, and rules.
- Answer keys should be used after trying the task first.
- Mistakes show what to practice next.
IPA choice
Choose the IPA symbol for the vowel in sit: /i/ or /ɪ/.
-s ending
Choose the ending for dogs: /s/, /z/, or /ɪz/.
-ed ending
Choose the ending for wanted: /t/, /d/, or /ɪd/.
Practice
- 1Take the sound chart review.
- 2Take the -s and -ed endings review.
- 3Record a one-minute pronunciation sample and evaluate final sounds.
Module checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
What is the vowel in sit?
Answer: /ɪ/.
Question 2
What is the -s ending in dogs?
Answer: /z/.
Question 3
What is the -ed ending in wanted?
Answer: /ɪd/.
Put it together
19. Final Pronunciation Project
The final project turns the course into a complete pronunciation sample learners can compare and improve.
Learn
- Choose a short text that includes consonants, vowels, stress, rhythm, intonation, and connected speech.
- Prepare the text with IPA notes, stress marks, and intonation arrows.
- Record a first version, practice, then record a final version.
Project text
My goal is to speak clearly, confidently, and naturally in American English.
Stress plan
GOAL, SPEAK, CLEARly, CONfidently, NATurally, American ENglish
Reflection
Write three sounds you improved and three sounds to keep practicing.
Practice
- 1Select a 60- to 90-second text.
- 2Mark IPA for difficult words.
- 3Record version one, practice for three days, then record version two.
- 4Write a short self-study plan for the next month.
Module checklist
0 of 5 complete on this device
Mini quiz and answer key
Question 1
What should the final project include?
Answer: A recorded speech sample, marked pronunciation notes, and a reflection.
Question 2
What should you do after recording?
Answer: Compare, identify patterns, and create a next-step practice plan.
Need personal feedback?
Want personal correction and a study plan?
This free course helps you study independently. If you want personal feedback, correction, and a clear learning plan, you can study with Faris Rashad.
Pronunciation session
Get targeted correction for your sound, stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns.
Study plan
Know exactly what to practice next instead of guessing from random videos.
Speaking confidence
Use clearer pronunciation in real conversations, IELTS speaking, work, and study.
FAQ
Questions about the free phonetics course
Is this English phonetics course free?
Yes. The course is free and open to study online.
Do I need an account to study the course?
No. You do not need an account, login, payment, or enrollment.
Is this course British or American English?
This course uses American English pronunciation and American rhotic IPA forms.
Who is this course for?
It is for ESL learners who want clearer pronunciation, stronger listening, and more confident spoken English.
Do I need to know IPA before starting?
No. IPA symbols are introduced with example words, audio support, and simple mouth-position notes.
Can beginners use this course?
Yes. Beginners can start with the sound chart and simple sound lessons, then continue step by step.
How should I practice pronunciation alone?
Listen, repeat, record yourself, compare with the model, and focus on one sound or pattern at a time.
Can I book personal pronunciation feedback with Faris?
Yes. If you want personal correction and a study plan, you can contact Faris or book a pronunciation session.
Final step
Keep Improving Your English with Faris Rashad
Use this free course anytime, then join a guided English program when you are ready for personal support.