Due: Wed., 9/13What is a syllable? A syllable is one unit of sound in a word that includes ONE vowel sound (remember your vowel chart) and 0-3 consonant sounds. In longer words, one of the syllables will be stressed.
Ex: In the word “store,” there is one syllable, and it is stressed (STORE). In the word “profession,” there are three syllables, and the second is stressed (pro-FES-sion).
Please watch three short videos:
- Video 1: “Syllable Stress in 3-syllable Words.”
- Video 2: “Word Stress and Verbs” in spoken English.
- Video 3: Rachel’s explanation of how understanding pronunciation elements can help you listen more effectively.
Please answer the following questions, and bring your answers (printed or handwritten) to class:
- Were there any 3-syllable words that you found difficult to hear the stress pattern that Rachel identified?
- Rachel says that verbs are “content” words and therefore are stressed. How does she says to give stress to a content word, such as a verb?
- Rachel suggests five strategies for improving your listening based on understanding American English pronunciation. Use Strategy #4 to listen and write down what you hear in this TED Talk clip. We will check your answers in class!