DAY 2 – Pronunciation Practice
WORD STRESS AND SYLLABLE DIVISION
The meaning of a sentence is identified through intonation changes.
1. I didn’t say he stole the money. —> someone else said it.
2. I didn’t say he stole the money. —> that’s not true at all.
3. I didn’t say he stole the money. —> I only suggested the possibility.
4. I didn’t say he stole the money. —> I think someone else took it.
5. I didn’t say he stole the money. —> maybe he just borrowed it.
6. I didn’t say he stole the money. —> but rather some other money.
7. I didn’t say he stole the money. —> he may have taken some jewelry.
DAY 2 – EXERCISE 1
As you read the passage aloud, emphasize the stressed syllables to reflect the correct word stress. Take note of the number of syllables in each word and practice dividing them accordingly. This exercise will help you develop a better understanding of word stress patterns and syllable division in American English.
In this passage, pay attention to word stress and syllable division, especially in longer words. Here are a few examples:
“Mu-si-cian” – The stress falls on the second syllable, “si,” making it “mu-SI-cian.”
“In-ter-est-ing” – The stress falls on the first syllable, “IN,” making it “IN-ter-est-ing.”
“Per-for-mance” – The stress falls on the second syllable, “for,” making it “per-FOR-mance.”
“Crit-ics” – The stress falls on the first syllable, “crit,” making it “CRIT-ics.”
Amy is a talented musician. She plays the guitar, piano, and drums. Amy writes her own songs and enjoys performing at local venues. Last week, she had an opportunity to showcase her skills at a music festival.
Amy’s passion for music began at a young age. Her parents noticed her natural rhythm and enrolled her in music lessons. Amy quickly learned to read sheet music and play various instruments.
As she grew older, Amy joined a band with her friends. They practiced diligently, fine-tuning their sound. Amy’s friends admired her powerful voice and stage presence. They often collaborated to create memorable performances.
At the music festival, Amy performed her newest song. The crowd cheered and clapped along to the infectious beat. Amy felt a rush of excitement as she delivered each verse with emotion. Her performance received rave reviews from both the audience and music critics.
Amy’s dedication and hard work paid off. She continues to pursue her musical dreams and inspire others with her talent. Amy’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
DAY 2 – EXERCISE 2
In this exercise, pay attention to pronunciation accuracy, stress patterns, and intonation. Focus on enunciating each word clearly and accurately. Here are some areas to focus on:
Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of individual consonant and vowel sounds, including any challenging sounds discussed earlier.
Practice word stress by emphasizing the stressed syllables in words such as “picnic,” “sandwiches,” “delicious,” “agility,” “ambiance,” and “gathered.”
Observe intonation patterns by using rising and falling tones to reflect the natural flow of the sentence and emphasize important words or phrases.
Maintain a consistent rhythm and pace while reading the passage to ensure smooth delivery.
Peter planned a picnic in the park. He packed a blanket, sandwiches, and a thermos of lemonade. He wanted to enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature.
Upon arriving at the park, Peter found a shady spot under a tall oak tree. He spread out the blanket and unpacked the delicious sandwiches he had prepared. As he took a bite, he couldn’t help but smile at the burst of flavors.
As he ate, Peter noticed a family playing frisbee nearby. He admired their agility and joined in on the fun. They laughed and cheered as they tossed the frisbee back and forth.
After the game, Peter decided to take a stroll along the winding path. He marveled at the colorful flowers and listened to the birds chirping in the distance. The peaceful ambiance put him at ease.
As the sun began to set, Peter gathered his belongings and headed home. He reflected on the wonderful day he had and looked forward to more outdoor adventures in the future.
Tongue Twister: Read the tongue twister aloud multiple times, focusing on enunciating each word clearly and maintaining a smooth rhythm. Pay attention to the specific sounds and consonant clusters in the twister, such as the “s” sounds, “sh” sound, and the “r” sound in “scoops” and “sings.” Practice at a comfortable pace and gradually increase your speed.
Sally sells seashells by the seashore. She swiftly scoops up the shiny seashells, Singing songs of sea and sand.
How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?
Gobbling gargoyles gobbled gobbling goblins.
Minimal Pairs: Read each minimal pair aloud, emphasizing the difference between the two words. Pay attention to the specific vowel or consonant sound that distinguishes them. Repeat each pair multiple times, focusing on accurately producing the distinct sound. Be mindful of any subtle differences in pronunciation.
Ship sheep – The ship sailed across the ocean, and the sheep grazed in the meadow.
Light right – The light turned green, and I took a right turn at the intersection.
Full fool – The cup was full of water, and he acted like a fool.
Park pack – We found a parking spot in the park, and she packed a picnic basket.
Bench bunch – I sat on the park bench, and they picked a bunch of flowers.
DAY 2 – EXERCISE 3
In this short story, tongue twisters and minimal pairs take center stage, showcasing the playful competition between Max and Lexi. The story highlights the fun and entertaining aspects of these language exercises, while also emphasizing the importance of accurate pronunciation and mastery of specific sounds.
Once upon a time in a quirky town called Twisterburg, there lived a mischievous duo named Max and Lexi. Max had a knack for creating tongue twisters, while Lexi excelled at mastering minimal pairs. Together, they embarked on a playful adventure that showcased their unique talents.
One sunny morning, Max and Lexi gathered at the Twisterburg park. Max, with a mischievous grin, challenged Lexi to a tongue twister face-off. He began, “How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?” Lexi, undeterred, countered with, “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!”
Not to be outdone, Max unleashed another tricky twister, “She sells seashells by the seashore.” Lexi, quick on her feet, retorted, “Six thick thistle sticks.”
As their competition escalated, the townspeople gathered around, eagerly awaiting the next round. Max’s eyes sparkled as he posed, “Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear. Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair.” Lexi smirked and fired back, “Funny bunny, hairy fairy.”
The crowd erupted in laughter, marveling at the duo’s playful banter. With the atmosphere buzzing, Max and Lexi realized the true magic of their talents — the ability to bring joy and amusement to those around them.
Inspired by their success, Max and Lexi joined forces for a grand finale. Their voices intertwined with perfect harmony as they recited, “Unique New York, you know you need unique New York.” The crowd cheered in awe, applauding their masterful performance.
From that day forward, Max and Lexi became beloved figures in Twisterburg. They entertained at festivals, schools, and gatherings, spreading laughter and delight with their tongue twisters and minimal pairs.
Their legacy lived on, inspiring generations to embrace the power of language and pronunciation. In Twisterburg, the spirit of tongue twisters and minimal pairs thrived, creating a vibrant community bonded by the joy of playfulness and the magic of words.