Speaking
Speaking Module: Pronunciation
Pronunciation assesses how clearly you can be understood, including intonation, stress, and individual sounds.
Pronunciation assesses how clearly you can be understood, including intonation, stress, and individual sounds.
Key Elements
- Individual Sounds: Clear articulation of consonants and vowels
- Word Stress: Correct emphasis on syllables (pho-TO-graphy)
- Sentence Stress: Emphasis on important words in sentences
- Intonation: Rising/falling patterns for questions, statements, emphasis
- Connected Speech: Natural linking between words
Common Pronunciation Issues
Sound Problems
- th → z/s (think → zink)
- v/w confusion
- l/r distinction
- p/b, t/d minimal pairs
Stress Problems
- Word stress (pho-TO-graphy)
- Sentence stress (I DID go)
- Weak forms (to/ə/, and/ən/)
Improvement Strategies
- Shadowing: Listen and repeat after native speakers
- Record Yourself: Compare with model pronunciations
- Focus Practice: Work on specific problem sounds
- Intonation Practice: Read aloud with emotion
Band 9 Level: Pronunciation is effortless, natural, and easy to understand with minimal accent influence.
Key: Even strong accents are acceptable if they don't impede communication.
Put it into practice
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