PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
Note of the author:
By no means, I will put down the links on this document immediately, in case the author/s may complain
about them. I have decided to display the original links in a visible way, thus, everyone can access the
genuine source at any time. However, readers can download most of the material just by clicking on the
links because they are attached as dropbox files. For obvious reasons, I have not tackled every single
sound or every single minimal pair but I have displayed some general resources in order to acquire a
sound knowledge and practice in pronunciation.
To the reader:
This collection of tips, websites and activities, together with different resources, aim to help those people
interested in revising and brushing up their pronunciation concerning the English language. A wide range
of resources is used in this guide, which goes from blogs, links, exercises, activities, and songs to a
theoretical perspective, tips, podcasts, tutorial videos, flash activities and PDF documents. Besides, it is
intended to work as a reliable source for real practice of pronunciation. A detailed account of different links
is provided at the end of this guide, thus, enlarging the reference for more resources if necessary.
First of all, I think it is absolutely necessary to introduce the tools, tips and other elements we will need to
accomplish this extraordinary task of pronouncing better. The elements are as follows:
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A mirror: we do not look at ourselves in the mirror when learning a new language, and that is
incredibly helpful since we really notice our mouth position, our body gestures, jaw, tongue, lips,
teeth, and the countless elements we use when pronouncing. From time to time, we will refer to
the articulatory elements we use at the moment of speaking, so that everyone may familiarise
with them and practise their position and memorise it.
Willing to repeat: repetition is the basis for improvement. As old as times, repetition will help us
improve and memorise the sound and the articulatory mechanism easily.
An audio editor and recorder program. I strongly recommend audacity (available here
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/?lang=es) because it is free and easy to use. Moreover, it helps
the purpose we need perfectly.
A good pronunciation dictionary. I recommend the Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary
(17th edition) by Tomasz P. Szynalski, because it is complete and it allows the user to type
phonetic symbols and carry out a search of the word according to its pronunciation, thus,
enriching this action with homophones, exceptions to the rule and similar words .
A personal computer or laptop. I recommend the latter as you can carry it to different places and
make use of it in the classroom too.
The International Phonetic Alphabet IPA, (we can find it on this website, http://ipa.typeit.org/) so
that we can type any phonetic symbols and copy and paste them where necessary.
A textbook with audio activities for checking relevant aspects about pronunciation, eg, Hancock,
Mark. English Pronunciation in Use, Cambridge University Press, 2003.
Create a tongue-twister with every vowel or consonant, e.g., /i:/ “The free bee leaves three trees”
Listen to and practice (create) with limericks (short tongue-twisters or riddles in English)
Index
Introduction
o Introduction to phonetics and phonology 1
o Introduction to phonetics and phonology 2
o Introduction to the English vowels
Vowels
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Page 1
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
Dear vowels 1
Dear vowels 2
Dear vowels 3
 Minimal pairs
 Minimal pair /e/ /i:/ 1
 Minimal pair /e/ /i:/ 2
 Minimal pair /e/ /ɪ/
 Diphthongs
 Diphthongs 1
 Diphthongs 2 /eɪ/ /aɪ/ /əʊ/ /aʊ/ Song
 Diphthongs 3
 Triphthongs
 triphthongs
Consonants
o Dear consonants 1
o Dear consonants 2
o Dear consonants 3
o Dear consonants 4
o Dear consonants 5
o Dear consonants 6
 Minimal pairs
 Minimal pair /b/ /p/ 1
 Minimal pair /b/ /p/ 2
 Minimal pair /b/ /p/ 3
 Minimal pair /b/ /p/ 4
 Minimal pair /g/ /k/ 1
 Minimal pair /g/ /k/ 2
 Minimal pair /g/ /k/ 3
 Minimal pair /t/ /d/ 1
 Minimal pair /f/ /v/ 1
 Minimal pair /f/ /v/ 2
 Minimal pair /p/ /f/
 Minimal pair /s/ /z/ 1
 Minimal pair /s/ /z/ 2
 Minimal pair /s/ /z/ 3
 Minimal pair /s/ /z/ 4
 Pronunciation of plurals
 Minimal pair /dʒ/ /tʃ/ 1
 Minimal pair /dʒ/ /tʃ/ 2
 Minimal pair 1 /ʒ/ /ʃ/
 Minimal pair 2 /ʒ/ /ʃ/
 Minimal pair 1 /θ/ /ð/
 Minimal pair 2 /θ/ /ð/
 sounds /m/ /n/ /ŋ/
 minimal pair /l/ /r/
 common mistakes
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Sergio Pérez Tabares
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PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
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 common mistakes 1
 common mistakes 2
 common mistakes 3
dialects
American and British English 1
American and British English 2
American and British English 3
Others
 Chart 1
 Chart 2
 Chart 3
 Tool 1
 Tool 2
 Tool 3
 Tool 4
 Song 1
 Song 2
 Song 3
INTRODUCTION
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Sources
How to
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Introduction to phonetics and phonology 1
Getting to know basic concepts on phonetics and phonology
Tips and general information
Website with a brief introduction with information on basic phonetics and phonology and
some tips to tackle the goal of learning to pronounce well
http://www.englishlanguageguide.com/english/pronunciation/sounds.asp
Just read the information
First contact and some interesting tips to encourage yourself about pronouncing well
Theoretical, not practical
Introduction to phonetics and phonology 2
Getting to know basic concepts on phonetics and phonology
Tips and general information
Tutorial video explaining the first steps in phonetics and some tips to tackle the goal of
learning to pronounce well
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI5G8Glea5k&feature=related
Just watch the video
First contact and some interesting tips to encourage yourself about pronouncing well
Theoretical, not practical
Introduction to the English vowels
Getting to know the English vowels
Chart with English vowels, symbols and explanation
This website works on a clear explanation on the different vowels in English. It follows the
same method as with dear consonants 1.
http://www.ejerciciodeingles.com/pronunciacion-vocales-ingles/
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Page 3
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
How to
Pros
Cons
Surf the website and read the information carefully. Whenever you find necessary, read
the examples aloud and repeat them. Click on the red dot and, as ever at this point,
record yourself to check your pronunciation.
Quick and basic introduction to the English vowels.
It is explained in Spanish. Somewhat basic and dull.
VOWELS
Title
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How to
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Dear vowels 1
Getting to know the English vowels
Chart with English vowels and symbols
This website works on a clear explanation on the different vowels in English. It also
contains exercises to practice and pronunciation activities. It follows the same method as
with dear consonants 1.
http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omphonetics/vowels/symbols1.htm
http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omphonetics/vowels/practice1.htm
Click on the headphone to hear the sound and repeat it. Practice the pronunciation.
Record your pronunciation if possible.
Simple to use and intuitive. It works with audio activities.
It is explained in Spanish. Somewhat basic.
Dear vowels 2
Getting to know the English vowels
Chart with English vowels and symbols
This website works on a clear explanation on the different vowels in English. It also
contains exercises to practice and pronunciation activities. It consists of a basic chart with
vowels and some examples of vowel sounds in words
http://www.englishlanguageguide.com/english/pronunciation/vowels.asp
Click on the red dot picture to hear the sound and repeat it. Practice the pronunciation.
Record your pronunciation if possible.
Simple to use and intuitive. It works with audio activities.
It is explained in Spanish. Somewhat basic.
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Dear vowels 3
Getting to know the English vowels and Received Pronunciation
Chart with English vowels and symbols
This website works on a clear explanation on the different vowels in English, both in
British and Australian English. It consists of information in depth about the received
pronunciation and vowels
http://www.englishlanguageguide.com/english/pronunciation/vowelreceived.asp
Surf the net and read the information
Detailed account about vowels and vowel charts.
A bit boring. Too theoretical
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Goal
Content
Description
Minimal pair 1 /e/ and /i:/
Getting to know the minimal pair /e/ and /i:/
Tutorial video
A tutorial video about the minimal pair /e/ and /i:/. It belongs to the well-known videos by
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Page 4
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
Sources
How to
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Ronnie (Engvid.com)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=advUFEJhc3Y
Watch the videos and repeat the words. Assimilate the content and practise.
Basic but useful
Quite simple (obvious and repetitive)
Minimal pair 2 /e/ and /i:/
Getting to know the minimal pair /e/ and /i:/
Listening activities
Listening practice for the minimal pair /e/ and /i:/.
http://davidbrett.uniss.it/phonology/vowel%20sounds/beat%20bit%20mini/MinimalPairsBea
tBit.html
Click on the red dot and check your answers by clicking on the key symbol. When
possible, repeat and record your voice to improve the pronunciation of these sounds
Simple to use and practical
Basic at times
Minimal pair /e/ and /ɪ /
Getting to know the minimal pair /e/ and /ɪ/
Listening activities
Listening practice for the minimal pair /e/ and /ɪ/
http://www.shiporsheep.com/page2.html
Click on the stars and the big rectangle. Every time you move the mouse over the letters
you can hear the sounds. Repeat and record your voice to improve the pronunciation of
these sounds
Simple to use and practical
It is only a repetitive activity. It has no activities to do
Cons
Homophones /eɪ/ /æ/
To understand the phenomenon of homophony and practice with the diphthongs /eɪ/ /æ/
It consists of two videos explaining the pronunciation of /eɪ/ /æ/
Video with explanation lesson on the pronunciation of some vowels
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHqqFtLFCyU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs70305ehMQ
Press play and watch the videos. When possible, repeat the words and practise.
It is in English with articulatory actions and explanations. It is a recurrent video series,
Rachel’s English.com
A bit high in level and it is dedicated to the American accent.
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Diphthongs 1
To get used to vowels and vowel combinations
interactive activity
It is an interactive activity to practise with vowels and their possible combinations
http://www.englishmedialab.com/pronunciation/diphthongs%20phonetics%20quiz.htm
Read the transcription and try to type the corresponding word
Easy and fun
Too easy and a bit poor
How to
Pros
Sergio Pérez Tabares
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PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
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Diphthongs 2 /eɪ/ /aɪ/ /əʊ/ /aʊ/ Song
To get used to some diphthongs /eɪ/ /aɪ/ /əʊ/ /aʊ/
It consists of a song with activities
Song chasing pirates by Norah Jones to listen to some diphthongs /eɪ/ /aɪ/ /əʊ/ /aʊ/
together with one activity about phonetic symbols.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4609155/Chasing%20Pirates%20by%20NORAH%20JONES.pdf
Listen to the song first. Then, fill in the gaps. The lists of words for every diphthong may
help you complete the missing words. Sing along when finished.
Excellent example for some diphthongs
A bit difficult at first. One may need more than one go.
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Diphthongs 3
To get used to some diphthongs
Listening activity
Listening activity to practise with diphthongs.
http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omphonetics/diphthongs/practice2.htm
Click on the red dot and listen to the words. Repeat them and practise
Clear and simple
It is just repetition
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Triphthongs
To get used to some triphthongs
Listening activity
Listening activity to practise with triphthongs.
http://ead.univ-angers.fr/~menan/cerel/english/phonetics/triphthongs.htm
Click on the loudspeaker andd listen to the words. Repeat them and practise
Clear and simple
It is just repetition. Short activity
Sources
How to
CONSONANTS
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How to
Dear consonants 1
Getting to know the English consonants
Chart with English consonants and symbols
Detailed account of information taken from different websites where any user can learn
the consonants and symbols in English.
The well-known Argentinian website ompersonal. On this website we can find different
options, vowels, consonants, diphthongs, etc., so that we can click on any option and
begin to listen to the sounds and see the phonemes. For this section on consonants there
are two groups: consonants 3 and 4, together with exercises to practice. It is quite basic
but attractive for the first contact with the symbols and sounds of consonants in English.
Extra practice will help reinforce and emphasise the pronunciation of consonants.
http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omphonetics/consonants/symbols3.htm
http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omphonetics/consonants/practice3.htm
http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omphonetics/consonants/symbols4.htm
http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omphonetics/consonants/practice4.htm
Just click on every section, consonants 1, or consonants 2. Listen to the different sounds
Sergio Pérez Tabares
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PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
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and associate them with the symbol. Then, practice the pronunciation with the exercises
provided for every section. Repeat every sound at least three times. At the end of this
activity, copy all the consonants on a piece of paper and practice with the pronunciation in
front of a mirror. When ready, record your voice with audacity and listen to it. Repeat the
recording action as many times as necessary in order to improve your pronunciation.
Very simple and intuitive. Excellent for the first contact. Interactivity makes it appealing.
Very basic for users with a high degree of competence in Phonetics. The practice turns
into something dull at times.
Dear consonants 2
Getting to know the English consonants
Chart with English consonants and symbols
Detailed account of information taken from different websites where any user can learn
the consonants and symbols in English.
This website offers a plain vision of the consonants in English. Besides, the types of
articulatory elements taking place in sounds are displayed, so that consonants are
classified into categories according to the position they adopt at the moment of sound
production. It is quite basic but attractive for the first contact with the symbols and sounds
of consonants in English. Extra practice will help reinforce and emphasise the
pronunciation of consonants.
http://www.englishlanguageguide.com/english/pronunciation/consonants.asp
Click on every red dot to hear the pronunciation. Surf the website to see the chart with the
articulatory position and categories of consonants.
Simple to use and quick. Beginners will find it useful since consonants are not transcribed
into real phonetic symbols, thus, paying attention to the sound instead.
Very basic and it lacks exercises to practice.
Dear consonants 3
Getting to know the English consonants
Chart with English consonants and symbols and explanation on phonetics.
This website aims to explain basic concepts on phonetics and phonology of consonants. It
is very simple and plain but it helps reinforce the notions about the consonants in English.
http://www.ejerciciodeingles.com/como-pronunciar-consonantes-ingles/
Read the information carefully. Click on the red dot and try to write down what sound
(word) is different. At the end of the activity, check your answers with the yellow key.
Attend and listen to every example and repeat it aloud. Practice and even record it if
possible.
Simple to use and plain. It contains practical exercises to practice with pronunciation of
the consonants.
It is explained in Spanish
Dear consonants 4
Getting to know the English consonants
Listening exercise on consonants
This website works on listening practice of consonants. It is very simple and plain but it
helps reinforce the notions about the consonants in English.
http://www.ejerciciodeingles.com/ejercicios-pronunciacion-consonantes-ingles-audio/
Read the information carefully. Click on the red dot and try to write down what sound
(word) is different. At the end of the activity, check your answers with the yellow key.
Attend and listen to every example and repeat it aloud. Practice and even record it if
possible.
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Page 7
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
Pros
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Simple to use and plain. It contains practical exercises to practice with pronunciation of
the consonants.
It is explained in Spanish
Dear consonants 5
Getting to know the English consonants
Listening exercise on consonants
This website works on listening practice on consonants. It is very simple and plain but it
helps reinforce the notions about the consonants in English.
http://www.ejerciciodeingles.com/ejercicios-listening-consonantes-inglesas-dificilesdistinguir-castellanohablantes-quiz/
Read the information carefully. Click on the red dot and try to write down what sound
(word) is different. At the end of the activity, check your answers with the yellow key.
Attend and listen to every example and repeat it aloud. Practice and even record it if
possible.
Simple to use and plain. It contains practical exercises to practice with pronunciation of
the consonants.
It is explained in Spanish
Dear consonants 6
Getting to know the English consonants
Listening exercise on consonants
This website works on listening practice on consonants. It is very simple and plain but it
helps reinforce the notions about the consonants in English.
http://www.ejerciciodeingles.com/ejercicios-pronunciacion-consonantes-ingles-audio/
Read the information carefully. Click on the red dot and try to write down what sound
(word) is different. At the end of the activity, check your answers with the yellow key.
Attend and listen to every example and repeat it aloud. Practice and even record it if
possible.
Simple to use and plain. It contains practical exercises to practice with pronunciation of
the consonants.
It is explained in Spanish
MINIMAL PAIRS
Title
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Description
Cons
Minimal pair 1 /b/ and /p/
Getting to know some minimal pairs of sounds
Video explaining the pronunciation of /b/ and /p/
Video with explanation lesson on the pronunciation of some vowels. It consists of a video
explanation about the pronunciation of /b/ and /p/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-45fGnSj8Fk
Press play and watch the video. When possible, repeat the words and practise.
It is in English with articulatory actions and explanations. It is a recurrent video series,
Rachel’s English.com
A bit high in level and it is dedicated to the American accent.
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Minimal pair 2 /b/ and /p/
Getting to know some minimal pairs of sounds
Video explaining the pronunciation of /b/ and /p/
Video with explanation lesson on the pronunciation of some vowels. It consists of a video
Sources
How to
Pros
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Page 8
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
Sources
How to
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explanation about the pronunciation of /b/ and /p/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9zgE5tsFx8
Press play and watch the video. When possible, repeat the words and practise.
It is in English with articulatory actions and explanations. It is a recurrent video series,
engVid.com with Ronnie. It is focused on British accent.
Somewhat basic.
Minimal pair 3 /b/ and /p/
Getting to know some minimal pairs of sounds
Audio activities about minimal pair /b/ and /p/
Pronunciation activities to revise the minimal pair and limerick to practise. It consists of
some listening activities about the pronunciation of /b/ and /p/
http://www.shiporsheep.com/page25.html
Click on the star or rectangle and listen to the pronunciation. Then, repeat and practise.
Real fun and practical. The association between the sound and the picture helps
remember the minimal pair better. The limerick at the end is really useful.
Too short and quick.
Minimal pair 4 /b/ and /p/
Getting to know some minimal pairs of sounds
Listening activities
Audio activities to revise this minimal pair. Listening activities to repeat aloud
http://www.talkenglish.com/LessonDetails.aspx?ALID=001
Listen to the podcast. Click on the red dot. Repeat the examples.
Intuitive. It is very good to see and listen to the examples in a sentence.
Short.
Minimal pair 1 /g/ /k /
Getting to know the minimal pair /g/ and /k/
Audio activities
This website aims to practise with this minimal pair. It contains listening activities about this
minimal pair. There are some sentences to see the words and sounds in context
http://es.talkenglish.com/LessonDetails.aspx?ALID=003
Click on the red dot and listen to the examples. Repeat when possible and even record
your production in order to improve your pronunciation.
Easy
Short
Minimal pair 2 /g/ /k /
Getting to know the minimal pair /g/ and /k/
Tutorial video
Tutorial video about this minimal pair. t continues with Rachel’s English series. Basically, it
consists of a tutorial video where articulatory and pronunciation characteristics are
explained.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFxmh5y2y_M
Watch the video and try to repeat after her. When possible, record your own examples and
practice with the help of a mirror to see your own mouth position.
Useful and clear
It does not contain pronunciation activities
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Page 9
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
Title
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How to
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Minimal pair 3 /g/ /k /
Getting to know the minimal pair /g/ and /k/
Listening activities
Audio activities to practice with this minimal pair among others. Listening activities to
practise.
http://streaming.ohio.edu/cas/lingCALL/consonant.htm#kandg
Click on the red dot and repeat. Practice with the pronunciation of this minimal pair.
Clear and practical
Short activity, just to contrast both sounds
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Minimal pair 3 /d/ /t /
Getting to know the minimal pair /d/ and /t/
Listening activities
Audio activities to practice with this minimal pair among others. Listening activities to
practise.
http://streaming.ohio.edu/cas/lingCALL/consonant.htm#kandg
Click on the red dot and repeat. Practice with the pronunciation of this minimal pair.
Clear and practical
Short activity, just to contrast both sounds, it may seem poor at times
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How to
Pros
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Minimal pair 1 /f/ and /v /
Getting to know the minimal pair /f/ and /v/
Audio podcast
Podcast on the articulatory and sound characteristics of this minimal pair
http://www.englishcafe.com/chatcafe/group-forum/pronunciation-f-vs-v-59223
Listen to this file and repeat the examples when possible
Practical and easy to understand
A bit theoretical
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Description
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How to
Pros
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Minimal pair 2 /f/ and /v /
Getting to know the minimal pair /f/ and /v/
Audio podcast
Podcast on examples and limericks with this minimal pair
http://www.englishcafe.com/chatcafe/group-forum/pronunciation-f-vs-v-59223
Listen to this file and repeat the examples when possible
Practical and easy to understand
A bit difficult to remember
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Minimal pair 1 /p/ and /f /
Getting to know the minimal pair /p/ and /f/
Repetition activities
Activities to listen and repeat. They are focused on this minimal pair, however, there are
some other activities dedicated to improve your pronunciation, such text reading and
pronunciation links. Although I have just selected some activities for practicing minimal
pairs, it consists in a web page with varied options for improving pronunciation
http://www.eslgold.com/pronunciation/sound_p_f.html repeat the words
http://www.eslgold.com/pronunciation/sound_p_f.html in phrases, sentences and poetry
For the activities I chose, just click on the red dot
Different perspective for the activities, including texts
Few activities
Sources
How to
Pros
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Sergio Pérez Tabares
Page 10
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
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How to
Pros
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Minimal pair 1 /s/ and /z/
Getting to know the minimal pair /s/ and /z/
Tutorial video about phonetics
It is a 2 minute video about the minimal pair.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjGIDowjW0k
Watch the video and repeat aloud
Very easy and with some practice. Nice for first contact with this minimal pair
Only American accent. Too simple, maybe
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Minimal pair 2 /s/ and /z/
Getting to know the minimal pair /s/ and /z/
Tutorial video about phonetics
Video explaining the pronunciation of this minimal pair. It follows the same structure as
former videos by Rachel’s English. Com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8ndEjFzKqTk
Watch the video and repeat aloud
Detailed and rigorous
Only American accent. Too technical
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Title
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Description
Sources
How to
Pros
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Minimal pair 3 /s/ and /z/
Getting to know the minimal pair /s/ and /z/
Tutorial video about phonetics
Video explaining the pronunciation of this minimal pair. It follows a natural and casual
aspect. It is the kind of tutorial video one can make at home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vedQ2E1vkUs
Watch the video and repeat aloud
Very natural and casual. Simple to understand
Not much relevant. A bit simple and repetitive
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How to
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Minimal pair 4 /s/ and /z/
Practicing with the minimal pair /s/ and /z/
Two audio activities
An audio activity to reflect a limerick with the minimal pair /s/ and /z/
http://www.davidappleyard.com/english/pronunciation.htm
Read them and listen to them. Then, practise and repeat them.
Simple and useful
Poor, just two examples
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How to
Pros
Cons
Pronunciation of plurals in English
Getting to know the pronunciation of plurals in English /S/, /Z/ and /IZ/
Pdf document about plural endings
Chart with examples and the rule for the pronunciation of plurals in English.
phonetics plurals
Read it and practise with the words
Simple and practical
You must familiarise with phonetic symbols first
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Page 11
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Minimal pair 1 /dʒ/ /t ʃ/
Getting to know the minimal pair /dʒ/ /t ʃ/
Tutorial videos
Two videos which are presented separately to show the articulatory mechanism and
characteristics of these two sounds. Very useful tutorial videos to understand the
difference between these two sounds. There are tutorial videos for every sound on:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/sounds/.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/sounds/con_voiceless_3.
shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/sounds/con_voiced_3.sht
ml
Just listen, repeat and practise with the pronunciation of these sounds
Useful and clear
It contains no activities. Too theoretical
Minimal pair 1 /ʒ/ /ʃ/
Getting to know the minimal pair /ʒ/ /ʃ/
Tutorial video
Following the Rachel’s English series, this is a video showing the characteristics of these
two sounds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr2adpD6sYU
Just watch and practise with the pronunciation of these sounds
Clear and informative
It does not contain activities. Quite a passive activity, even dull at times. Too theoretical
Minimal pair 2 /ʒ/ /ʃ/
Getting to know the minimal pair /ʒ/ /ʃ/
Song with lyrics and activities
Making use of a well-known song by Madonna some activities are presented in order to
manage the difference between this minimal pair
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4609155/Love%20Profusion.pdf
Listen to the song first. Then, try to fill the gaps. After you have finished, make lists
according to their pronunciation. Sing along and have fun
Fun and practical
None
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Minimal pair 1 /θ/ /ð/
Getting to know the minimal pair /θ/ /ð/
Tutorial video
Tutorial video where different examples and characteristics of sound articulation are
presented.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lozWvC8Yg9o
Watch and repeat the examples.
Clear and simple
A bit repetitive
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Minimal pair 2 /θ/ /ð/
Getting to know the minimal pair /θ/ /ð/
Theory and practice
Website with both theory and practice.
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Page 12
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
www.learning-english-online.net/areas/pronunciation/the-english-th/
Read the theory about this minimal pair, then, listen by clicking on the red dot. To check
your answers, click on the yellow key.
Clear and simple
None
Sounds /m/ /n/ /ŋ/
Getting to know the sounds/m/ /n/ /ŋ/
Theory and practice with a song
Website with some theory about these sounds and a song by Travis sing, to practise with
the pronunciation of these sounds. The idea is taken from this interesting website
http://allphonetics.blogspot.com/2008/05/sing-with-nasals.html
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4609155/song%20SING.pdf
Read the theory about these sounds, then, by clicking on the red dot, listen to the song for
the first time. Fill in the gaps, check your answer by clicking the yellow key and sing along.
Fun and easy
None
Minimal pair /l/ /r/
Getting to know the sounds/l/ /r/
Activity to contrast both sounds and a limerick to help remember the sounds
Following the type of activities out of ship or sheep website.
http://www.shiporsheep.com/page24.html
Click on the star to hear the sound and display the word corresponding to every picture.
Just moving the mouse over the word, you can hear the sound. At the end of the activity,
click on the rectangle and hear the limerick. Practice with all the sounds, repeat them and
record yourself if possible.
Fun and easy
This minimal pair is not so relevant for Spanish learners.
Common mistakes 1
Revising for common errors
PDF document with a list of common errors
Website dealing with common errors Spanish native speakers usually make when learning
to pronounce English
http://www.btinternet.com/~ted.power/l1spanish.html
Read every common mistake and scroll to get to the minimal pair to revise by reading
aloud and contrasting the difference. Repeat and record yourself as many times as
possible.
Very realistic
It lacks audio files
Common mistakes 2
Revising for common errors
PDF document with a list of common errors
Website dealing with common errors Spanish native speakers usually make when learning
to pronounce English
http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/view_online.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pronunc
iationmadrid.com%2Fbrochures%2FTop%252010.pdf
Read every common mistake. Repeat the examples and record yourself if possible.
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Page 13
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
Pros
Cons
To the point
A bit theoretical and not very extensive
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Common mistakes 3
Revising for common errors
Tutorial video
Following the well-known series Engvid, Ronnie presents us with some common errors in
pronunciation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUH5FahU778
Watch the video and repeat after her.
Clear and simple
None
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Dialects
To learn about the different dialects in the English language
PDF document with a list of dialects
Document with different dialects in English and a list of characteristics
http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/dialectsofenglish.html
Read it carefully. Try to repeat the examples.
Detailed
Too theoretical. No audio
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Chart 1
To get used to the phonetic symbols
Interactive chart with the phonetic symbols
Chart with phonetic symbols
http://www.cambridgeenglishonline.com/Phonetics_Focus/swf/chart.swf
Click on every letter and listen to the pronunciation. Then, a picture with a word
representing this picture will be displayed together with its phonetic transcription.
Really practical for an overall idea about the symbols and their pronunciation. The fact
that you can hear the pronunciation is very interesting
Too easy
Chart 2
To get used to the phonetic symbols
Interactive chart with the phonetic symbols
Chart with phonetic symbols
http://www.stuff.co.uk/calcul_nd.htm
Click on every letter from the chart and listen to the pronunciation of a word containing
that sound. Simultaneously, the word will appear on your right. There are also two more
option in this document, the mouth position and a quiz.
The most interesting aspect of this document is the quiz where you can test your phonetic
skills, and the chart with the mouth position
None
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Page 14
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Chart 3
To get used to the phonetic symbols
Interactive chart with the phonetic symbols
Chart with phonetic symbols
http://www.onestopenglish.com/skills/pronunciation/phonemic-chart-and-app/interactivephonemic-chart/
Click on every letter from the chart and listen to the pronunciation of a word containing
that sound.
Intuitive and easy to use. It pronounces the sound and a word with that sound so that you
can hear the sound in a the context of a word.
It is not so complete as the other charts
Cons
Chart 4
To get used to the phonetic symbols
Interactive chart with the phonetic symbols
Chart with phonetic symbols
http://www.englishclub.com/pronunciation/phonemic-chart-ia.htm
Click on every letter from the chart and listen to the pronunciation of a word containing
that sound.
Intuitive and easy to use. It pronounces the sound and a word with that sound so that you
can hear the sound in the context of a word.
None
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Tool 1
To get used to the phonetic symbols
Website
Website where you can transcribe your text into phonetic symbols.
http://www.photransedit.com/Online/Text2Phonetics.aspx
Type your text and click on transcribe
Very practical to get used to practising with phonetic symbols
It must be online.
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Pros
Cons
Tool 2
To get used to the phonetic symbols
Freeware program for practising with the phonetic alphabet.
Program with different sections to work on phonetics. There are several activities:
spelling, matching, playing memory games, listening activities and spelling.
http://www.wartoft.nu/software/sephonics/pronounciation.aspx
Download the program and follow the order of the activities. To listen to the sound you
must click on the right button of the mouse.
Useful and entertaining
You must download the program. It is addictive.
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
Tool 3
To get used to the articulatory movements
Flash document
Interactive activity to practise with the articulatory elements
http://www.uiowa.edu/~acadtech/phonetics/anatomy.htm
Pros
Sources
How to
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Page 15
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
How to
Pros
Cons
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Click on the different part of the mouth and see the articulatory movements and elements
involved
Interesting and practical
Too technical
Pros
Cons
Tool 4
To get used to the articulatory movements
Flash document
Interactive activity to practise with the articulatory elements
http://www.uiowa.edu/~acadtech/phonetics/english/frameset.html
Click on the different part of the mouth and see the articulatory movements and elements
involved
Interesting and practical
In the offline version, one may miss the sound
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Tool 5
To get used to the articulatory movements
Flash document
Interactive activity to practise with the articulatory elements
http://davidbrett.uniss.it/phonology/articulation%20drop%20down.swf
Choose the different options, either voicing, place and manner, and check your answers
Interesting and practical
Bit too theoretical
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Song 1
To practice with the some sounds
Video clip with lyrics
Video clip with one song across the universe by the Beatles, to practice with the sounds in
context by singing along
http://allphonetics.blogspot.com/2008/04/beatles-song-across-universe.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNNfAWhJOAQ
First watch and listen to the song. Then, watch the karaoke version and sing along. Try to
concentrate on the pronunciation of certain sounds /k/ /tʃ/ /dʒ/ /f/ /θ/ /ð/ /ʃ/ /ŋ/ /w/ /j/
Fun and practical
None
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Title
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
Song 2
To practice with the some sounds
Song with lyrics
Song with lyrics to complete and make lists of sounds
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4609155/englishman%20in%20new%20york%20song%2C%20ph
onetics.pdf
Listen to the song and complete the gaps. Then, complete the chart with the missing
words corresponding to their phonetic symbols. Repeated words are not necessary. Sing
along when finished.
Fun and practical
None
Title
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Song 3
Page 16
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
Goal
Content
Description
Sources
How to
Pros
Cons
To practice with the some sounds
Song with lyrics
Song with lyrics to fill the gaps
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4609155/norwegian%20wood.pdf
Read the phonetic transcription first and try to complete the gaps. Then, click on the red
dot to listen to the song and check your options. At the end of the activity, check your
answers clicking on the yellow key. Sing along the song to practice the pronunciation.
Fun and practical
None
http://allphonetics.blogspot.com/2008/04/beatles-song-across-universe.html
http://allphonetics.blogspot.com/2008/04/fricative-love-she-f-v-s-z-h-r.html
http://allphonetics.blogspot.com/2008/05/sing-with-nasals.html
http://cambridgeenglishonline.com/Phonetics_Focus/
Blog with activities about pronunciation
Song and activities about fricatives
Blog about nasals
Interactive activities about phonetics
Interactive website with flash documents
http://davidbrett.uniss.it/phonology/articulation%20drop%20down.swf
about articulation
http://davidbrett.uniss.it/phonology/curvy%20lines%20phonemes/phonemes Matching game for the articulation of
Match%20Pics.html
sounds
http://davidbrett.uniss.it/phonology/speechAnimator/speechAnimator.html
Articulatory movements
http://davidbrett.uniss.it/phonology/vowel%20sounds/beat%20bit%20mini/M
Varied minimal pairs
inimalPairsBeatBit.html
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4609155/englvid%20common.pdf
Engvid
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4609155/Pronunciation%20Engvid series
%203%20Mistakes%20part%201%20%28%27s%27%29.flv
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4609155/videoplayback%5B2%5D.flv
Engvid series
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4609155/videoplayback%5B3%5D.flv
Engvid series
http://ead.univ-angers.fr/~menan/cerel/english/phonetics/am_brit.htm
American and British English
http://ead.univ-angers.fr/~menan/cerel/english/phonetics/diphthongs.htm
About diphthongs
http://ead.univ-angers.fr/~menan/cerel/english/phonetics/triphthongs.htm
About triphthongs
http://eng4today.blogspot.com/
Varied
http://es.talkenglish.com/LessonDetails.aspx?ALID=003
Website about /g/ /k/
Interactive quiz about /Θ/ or /ð/
http://evaeaston.com/th-quiz05.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?American-English-Pronunciation---How-toPronounce--S-and-Z&id=2210914
http://oald8.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dictionary/house
http://pronunciaringles.com/
http://pronunciaringles.com/
About the pronunciation of /b/ /p/
recommended dictionary
Blog with reference to /eɪ/ /æ/
Varied
http://pronunciaringles.com/2008/07/31/como-pronunciar-las-vocalesinglesas-%C3%A6-%C9%91-%C9%99-%CA%8C/
Blog with reference to /æ/ /ɑ:/ /ə/, /ʌ/
http://pronunciaringles.com/2010/06/30/como-se-pronuncia-el-fonemad%CA%92-job-john-giant/
http://pronunciaringles.com/2011/03/02/longitud-vocales-ingles-britanico-yamericano/
http://sheepridge.pandorabots.com/pandora/talk?botid=fef38cb4de345ab1&
skin=iframe-voice
http://streaming.ohio.edu/cas/lingCALL/consonant.htm#kandg
http://usefulenglish.ru/phonetics/listening-for-vowels
http://usefulenglish.ru/phonetics/practice-vowel-contrast
http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/dialectsofenglish.html
Explanation in Spanish about the minimal
pair /dʒ/ /t ʃ/
Blog with reference to British and American
English
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Conversation practice
Varied minimal pairs of pronunciation
American English
Practice for monophthongs
Information about dialects in English
Page 17
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/teaching/esl/pronunciation.cfm
http://www.aulafacil.com/Ingles2/CursoIngles2/Clase11-1.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/
http://www.bestaccenttraining.com/demo.html
http://www.btinternet.com/~ted.power/esl0104b.html#vowel01
http://www.btinternet.com/~ted.power/folkphono.html
http://www.btinternet.com/~ted.power/l1spanish.html
http://www.btinternet.com/~ted.power/minimal.html
http://www.btinternet.com/~ted.power/phon03.htm
http://www.ehow.com/info_8144026_common-mistakes-englishpronunciation.html
http://www.ejerciciodeingles.com/como-pronunciar-consonantes-ingles/
http://www.ejerciciodeingles.com/ejercicios-listening-consonantes-mudasingles/
http://www.ejerciciodeingles.com/ejercicios-pronunciacion-consonantesingles-audio/
http://www.elearnenglishlanguage.com/ingles/pronunciacion/consonantes.h
tml
http://www.englishcafe.com/chatcafe/group-forum/pronunciation-f-vs-v59223
http://www.englishclub.com/pronunciation/homophones-vowel-sound-ei.htm
http://www.englishclub.com/pronunciation/homophones-vowel-sound-ei.htm
http://www.englishclub.com/pronunciation/homophones-what.htm
http://www.english-online.org.uk/pronounce/pronounce3.htm
http://www.english-online.org.uk/pronounce/pronounce6.htm
http://www.englishpronunciationpod.com/newarchive.html
http://www.englishpronunciationpod.com/podcast_32.html
http://www.englishpronunciationpod.com/podcast_40.html
http://www.engvid.com/english-lessons/
http://www.engvid.com/english-pronunciation-3-common-mistakes-part-3%E2%80%98th%E2%80%99/
http://www.engvid.com/english-pronunciation-s/
http://www.engvid.com/english-pronunciation-t-d/
http://www.esl2000.com/speak/pairs/consonants.html
http://www.eslgold.com/
http://www.eslgold.com/pronunciation/sound_p_f.html
http://www.esl-lab.com/pron3.htm
http://www.eslport.com/2008/02/lesson-1-english-pronunciation.html
http://www.fonetiks.org/engsou2am.html
http://www.fonetiks.org/engsou5.html
http://www.handouthub.com/browse-byactivity/?hub_focus=966&hub_activity=18
http://www.howjsay.com/
http://www.johnkeithcommunications.com/pronunciation/dailyex.html
http://www.leerespoder.com/consonantes.htm
http://www.llas.ac.uk/materialsbank/mb081/page_08.htm
http://www.manythings.org/mp/m08.html
http://www.multimedia-english.com/phonetics/diphtongs.php
http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omphonetics/diphthongs/practice2.htm
http://www.photransedit.com/Online/Text2Phonetics.aspx
http://www.pinceladasymas.com/sepa/Leccion%2021/Archivo%20Swf/S21a
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Blog about pronunciation guidelines
Online course about pronunciation
All sort of pronunciation tips
Demo of a pronunciation program “best
accent”
Monophthongs
Songs
Common mistakes
Minimal pairs
Practice with /θ/ /ð/
Among other sounds and activities
Common mistakes
Website about pronouncing consonants
More activities about consonants
More activities about consonants
More activities about consonants
Website in an informal mood about
pronunciation
Website about pronouncing /eɪ/ /æ/
Homophony
Homophones
Pronunciation course
Pronunciation course
Podcasts about pronunciation
Podcasts about pronunciation
Podcast about the minimal pair /dʒ/ /t ʃ/
Engvid series
Tutorial video (Engvid) about common
mistakes
Engvid series
Engvid series
Minimal pairs
Pronunciation activities in general
Minimal pairs
Pronunciation of /f/ and /v/
Varied
American English
Minimal pairs and some other activities
Varied activities
Pronunciation help
Pronunciation activities with audio
Audio with phonetical symbols
Varied activities on pronunciation
Minimal pairs
Diphthongs
Practice with diphthongs
Phonetic transcriptor
Nasals
Page 18
PRONOUNCE ENGLISH WELL
.swf
http://www.podtrac.com/PodtracPlayer/podtracplayer.aspx?podcast
http://www.reverso.net/text_translation.aspx?lang=ES
http://www.shiporsheep.com/
http://www.shiporsheep.com/page25.html
http://www.soundsofenglish.org/pronunciation/fv.html
http://www.soundsofenglish.org/pronunciation/gk.html
http://www.talkenglish.com/LessonDetails.aspx?ALID=001
http://www.talkenglish.com/LessonDetails.aspx?ALID=007
http://www.uiowa.edu/~acadtech/phonetics/anatomy.htm
http://www.uiowa.edu/~acadtech/phonetics/english/frameset.html
http://www.wartoft.nu/software/sephonics/pronounciation.aspx
Podcast about pronunciation
Podcast about American English
pronunciation
Podcast about American English
pronunciation
Pdf documents with charts and technical
information about phonetics
Dictionary with text reading
Varied
Flash documents about /eɪ/ /æ/
Varied
Website about minimal pairs
Website about /p/ /b/
About /s/ /z/
Articulatory elements
Articulatory elements
Phonetic alphabet though games
http://www.wellpronounce.com/basic/compare-and-contrast/sh-vs-dj
Website with tutorial video about (ʃ) vs (ʒ)
http://www.pronuncian.com/materials/podcasts/Episode_23.aspx
http://www.pronuncian.com/materials/podcasts/rss.xml
http://www.pucpr.edu/facultad/omiranda/phonetics.pdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lmUhwyp_Q
A8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=ES&v=pjGIDowjW0k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ndEjFzKqTk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atOUe5SxiRQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP-igGtcBwc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVqguy5cPpE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxFSXao4jCg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcdywlIKpDk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNKn5ykP9PU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoYKTHZnztI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwD0s0D3Ff4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFxmh5y2y_M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THOluQWh9xA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_fv7uTqzwo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vedQ2E1vkUs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUAYmTnWaCY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbK9bJhlR0k&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzHIi8fOnTw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQWL_qeqcrU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvPN5KmZnII
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs70305ehMQ
www.fonetiks.org/
http://esl.about.com/od/speakingadvanced/a/timestress.htm
http://www.goodaccent.com/
http://www.learnenglish.de/pronunciation/intonationexpression.htm
Sergio Pérez Tabares
Tutorial video about /e/ /ɪ/
Tutorial video about /s/ /z/
Tutorial video about /s/ /z/
Tutorial video about /f/ /v/
Tutorial video about /p/ /b/
Tutorial video about /eɪ/ /æ/
Have fun with am and br
Tutorial video about /æ/
Funny tutorial video
Tutorial video about /eɪ/ /æ/
Tutorial video about voiceless sounds
Tutorial video about /g/ /k/
Tutorial video about British and American
English
Tutorial video about long vowels
Tutorial video about /s/ /z/
Rachel’s English /θ/ /ð/
Tutorial video about plural pronunciation
Tutorial video about /f/ /v/
Different accents
Tutorial video about /eɪ/ /æ/
Tutorial video about /eɪ/ /æ/ American
accent
Website about phonetics with different
resources
About different characteristics of
pronunciation
Blog about American accent
Website about intonation
Page 19