GET RID OF YOUR ACCENT FOR BUSINESS, PART III Linda James and Olga Smith Published on 2025-06-04 Last updated on 2025-08-01 GET RID OF YOUR ACCENT FOR BUSINESS, PART IIIThe English Speech Trainning Manual Part IIIContents1.Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 12.Method of learning ................................................................................................................................... 33.The Speech Organs .................................................................................................................................. 74.International Phonetic Alphabet .................................................................................................................... 85.Muscular exercises .................................................................................................................................. 116.Articulation warm-up exercises .................................................................................................................... 147.Lesson 1: The [ɑː] sound as in “bark” .............................................................................................................. 178.Lesson 2: The [uː] sound as in “boot” .............................................................................................................. 209.Lesson 3: The [ɔː] sound as in “fort” ............................................................................................................... 2310.Lesson 4: The [iː] sound as in “feet” .............................................................................................................. 2611.Lesson 5: The [ɜː] sound as in “third” ............................................................................................................. 2912.Revision: Long vowels ............................................................................................................................. 3213.Lesson 6: The [ə] neutral vowel (schwa) as in “the” ............................................................................................. 3314.Lesson 7: The [ɪ] sound as in “pit” ................................................................................................................ 3815.Lesson 8: Comparison [ɪ] - [iː] .................................................................................................................... 4116.Lesson 9: The [ʌ] sound as in “hut” ............................................................................................................... 4317.Lesson 10: The [ɒ] sound as in “box” ............................................................................................................. 4718.Lesson 11: Comparison [ɒ] - [ɔː] and [ɒ] - [ʌ] ................................................................................................... 5019.Lesson 12: The [e] sound as in “pet” .............................................................................................................. 5320.Lesson 13: The [ʊ] sound as in “book” ............................................................................................................ 5621.Lesson 14: Comparison [ʊ] and [uː] .............................................................................................................. 5922.Lesson 15: The [æ] sound as in “mad” ............................................................................................................ 6123.Revision: Short vowels ............................................................................................................................ 6424.Lesson 16: Diphthong [əʊ] as in “boat” ........................................................................................................... 6525.Lesson 17: Diphthong [eɪ] as in “pay” ............................................................................................................ 6826.Lesson 18: Diphthong [ɔɪ] as in “boy” ............................................................................................................ 7127.Lesson 19: Diphthong [ɪə] as in “hear” ........................................................................................................... 7428.Lesson 20: Diphthong [aɪ] as in “pie” ............................................................................................................. 7729.Lesson 21: Diphthong [ʊə] as in “sewer, triphthong [j ʊə] as in “fewer” ....................................................................... 8030.Lesson 22: Diphthong [eə] as in “pair” ........................................................................................................... 8331.Lesson 23: Diphthong [aʊ] as in “how” ........................................................................................................... 8632.Lesson 24: Semi-vowel [j] as in “yes” ............................................................................................................. 8933.Lesson 25: Semi-vowel [w] as in “was” ........................................................................................................... 9234.Lesson 26: Plosive consonants unvoiced [p] as in “put”, voiced [b] as in “but” ................................................................. 9635.Lesson 27: Plosive consonants unvoiced [t] as in “two”, voiced [d] as in “do” ................................................................. 10236.Lesson 28: Plosive consonants unvoiced [k] as in “cake”, voiced [g] as in “go” ............................................................... 10837.Lesson 29: Nasal consonant [m] as in “money” ................................................................................................. 11438.Lesson 30: Nasal consonant [n] as in “no” ...................................................................................................... 11739.Lesson 31: Nasal consonant [ŋ] as in “sing” ..................................................................................................... 12040.Lesson 32: Nasal plosions [tn] as in “cotton”, [dn] as in “garden” .............................................................................. 12341.Lesson 33: Lateral consonant [l] as in “light” ................................................................................................... 12542.Lesson 34: Lateral plosions [tl] as in “little”, [dl] as in “candle” ................................................................................ 12843.Revision: Consonants [t], [d], [l], and [n] ....................................................................................................... 13144.Lesson 35: Fricative consonants unvoiced [f] as in “fish”, voiced [v] as in “very” ............................................................. 13245.Lesson 36: Unvoiced consonant [θ] as in “think” ............................................................................................... 13846.Lesson 37: Voiced consonant [ð] as in “that” .................................................................................................... 14147.Lesson 38: Unvoiced [s] as in “sip”, voiced [z] as in “zoo” ...................................................................................... 14448.Lesson 39: Unvoiced [ʃ] as in “shall”, voiced [ʒ] as in “measure” ............................................................................... 15049.Lesson 40: Unvoiced consonant [h] as in “hat” ................................................................................................. 15550.Lesson 41: The [r] sound as in “river” ........................................................................................................... 15851.Lesson 42: Affricates unvoiced [tʃ] as in “church”, voiced [dʒ] as in “judge” .................................................................. 16252.Revision: Voiced Consonants [b], [d], [g], [z], [v], [ð], [ʒ] and [dʒ] ............................................................................ 16753.Lesson 43: Contractions .......................................................................................................................... 16854.Silent letters ...................................................................................................................................... 17355.Learning tips ..................................................................................................................................... 1751. Introduction1.IntroductionWhy we wrote this bookAfter we published our first book, “Get Rid of your Accent, Part One”, we launched accent reduction courses. Our clients included:•Financiers•Lawyers•Entrepreneurs•Diplomats•Management consultants•Business executives•Top IT consultants•Call centre employees•Business studentsThey enjoyed our courses and called them “life changing”. Many of our clients were promoted, as their speech became educated and easy tounderstand.In our first book, mentioned above, and our second book, “Get Rid of your Accent, Part Two”, we deal mainly with every day vocabulary. Ourfirst two books are based on speech training – the old-fashioned term is elocution – used for decades in drama schools. In this book, by contrast,we have collected contemporary words and expressions that are used in business today.After we showed a few chapters of this book to our prospective students, they became really excited, and told us that this is exactly the vocabularythey hear at work on a daily basis.– 1 –1. IntroductionThis is undoubtedly the first book on the market of this kind, as it combines both speech training and business vocabulary.On top of that we managed to find quotes and proverbs that help you not only with learning English sounds, but also with improving your useof English in a fun way!– 2 –2. Method of learning2.Method of learningIn our book, we set out a complete method of learning English sounds, which someone who comes from a different country might not have intheir own native language.One of the important things about our book is that we make it absolutely clear what is happening in the mouth: where the lips go, where thetongue is placed, if the jaw is open or closed, etc. Once those three positions are checked and sorted out then there is no way that you could notmake that particular English sound.The second important part of speech training is training the muscles of the tongue, lips and jaw, so that the brain responds automatically. Youtrain them by pronouncing words and sentences with the target sound. You finish with a little bit of verse, something interesting and amusing,but also containing the target sound.For consonants we also give practice through articulation exercises, such as period verses and tongue-twisters, which get the tongue and thelips really moving so that we get clarity and crispness of speech. English is a very energetic and dynamic language, and good articulation makesa big difference.Exercises in the book are accompanied by a sound tracks. Students should listen to the audio tracks, practice the correct sound throughout, andthen record themselves and listen to the recording in order to see their progress. We also encourage students to use the correct sounds in theireveryday speech, and support learning with additional exercises at the end of each lesson.The audio tracks were recorded by professional actors who use drama techniques in order to make the sentences, verses and poems soundinteresting and amusing. This also helps you to use your imagination as you are reading, and that will help you to memorise sounds.The lessons in this book are quite intensive and are aimed for those who strive to achieve outstanding results in improving their accents withina short period of time. Your results might depend on your ability to hear your own speech and the time you spend mastering the sounds.– 3 –2. Method of learningAt the end of the book we also provide students with instructions and advice on how to maintain correct pronunciation. In support of that wegive a warm-up exercise for all the English sounds (see page 134).Students will also particular difficulties with the English pronunciation which speakers of other world languages have.What is needed to start working with the book?•A mirror, to compare the shape of your own mouth to the shape of the mouth that you will find in diagrams at the beginning of each lesson;•A recorder or voice memo app, to record your practices;•A phone or tablet.How many hours you should spend on each sound:•Practice each sound for about 20-40 minutes a day, with little breaks in between;•Repeat on the following days for approximately the same length of time until you feel that you can use the correct sound in your everydayspeech.The method of learning is based on a six-stage process:1.Put your tongue, lips and jaw in the correct position for the sound (see p. 7 for a diagram of speech organs).2.Listen to the audio tracks from www.audible.com and imitate the pronunciation (5-10 min for each exercise)3.Repeat each sentence out loud (5-10 min)4.Record yourself, then listen to your recording and note any mistakes (10-15 min)– 4 –2. Method of learning5.Repeat the word where you made a mistake in the correct way three times (5 min)6.Activate the learned sound in your everyday speechThe first stage is to make sure that you put your lips, tongue and jaw in the right position for the learned sound. If you fail to do so, the soundwill not be precise and may be different altogether. Follow the instructions on speech organ position given at the beginning of each lesson.Pronounce the sound several times, looking in the mirror to make sure you do it correctly. When you feel that your sound is correct, startpronouncing the words, sentences and verses in the lesson.The second stage is aimed at helping you learn a sound by repeating and imitating after the audio tracks. This exercise will help you to makethe sound as correctly as possible and train your speech organs for the particular sound. The more you repeat after the audio tracks, the betteryour pronunciation becomes.The third stage gives you an opportunity to practice the sound on your own, without the help of the audio track. You will be hearing yourselfand mastering the sound. This stage is essential before recording yourself.The fourth stage involves recording yourself and listening to the recording. It helps you to see whether you have progressed in mastering thepronunciation and to identify where you still make mistakes.The fifth stage focuses on eliminating mistakes. Correctly repeating the words where you made a mistake will help you avoid repeating thesame mistakes in the future.The sixth stage has the purpose of helping you incorporate the learned sound in everyday speech. It’s about trying to find the learned sound inthe newspapers, on the radio, on TV and in English language videos. Pay attention to how you pronounce the learned sound in your everydayspeech. This will help you to activate the correctly pronounced sounds.– 5 –2. Method of learning– 6 –3. The Speech Organs3.The Speech OrgansThis diagram shows you the main speech organs that produce the many sounds needed for language.– 7 –4. International Phonetic Alphabet4.International Phonetic AlphabetA1🎧 Long Pure Vowels[iː] – feet – [fiːt][ɜː] – third – [θɜːd][uː] – boot – [buːt][ɑː] – bark – [bɑːk][ɔː] – fort – [fɔːt]A2🎧 Short Pure Vowels[ɪ] – pit – [pɪt][e] – pet – [pet][æ] – mad – [mæd][ʌ] – hut – [hʌt][ɒ] – box – [bɒks][ʊ] – book – [bʊk]Neutral Vowel (schwa)[ə] – the – [ðə]– 8 –4. International Phonetic AlphabetA3🎧 Diphthongs[ɪə] – hear – [hɪə][eɪ] – pay – [peɪ][eə] – pair – [peə][aɪ] – pie – [paɪ][aʊ] – how – [haʊ][əʊ] – boat – [bəʊt][ɔɪ] – boy – [bɔɪ][ʊə] – sewer – [sʊə]A4🎧 Unvoiced Consonants[p] – put – [pʊt][t] – two – [tuː][k] – cake – [keɪk][f] – fish – [fɪʃ][θ] – think – [θɪŋk][s] – sip – [sip][ʃ] – shall – [ʃæl][tʃ] – church – [tʃɜːtʃ][h] – hat – [hæt]– 9 –4. International Phonetic AlphabetA5🎧 Voiced Consonants[b] – but – [bʌt][d] – do – [duː][g] – go – [gəʊ][v] – very – [veri][ð] – that – [ðæt][z] – zoo – [zuː][ʒ] – measure – [meʒə][dʒ] – judge – [dʒʌdʒ][m] – money – [ˈmʌni][n] – no – [nəʊ][ŋ] – sing – [sɪŋ][l] – light – [laɪt][r] – river – [ˈrɪvə][j] – yes – [jes]– 10 –5. Muscular exercises5.Muscular exercisesThe following exercises should be practised on a regular daily basis. This will help to strengthen and give flexibility to the speech organs andultimately ensure better articulation and clearer speech.Tongue exercisesexercises to be repeated 4 times.1.Point the tongue, holding it still. Then relax the tongue back in the mouth.2.Point the tongue. Circle very slowly once to the right. Repeat to the left.3.Point the tongue. Circle 3 times quickly to the right. Then left.4.Stretch the tongue towards the nose, then the chin.5.With tip of tongue behind bottom teeth, push the back of the tongue forwards and backwards.6.Flick pointed tongue sideways, touching corners of lips. Gradually quicken.7.Tap the tip of the tongue against the alveolar (teeth) ridge. Repeat and quicken.8.Finish off with rhythm exercises for [t], [d], [l], [k], [g].Tap the tongue tip against the alveolar ridgeA6🎧Repeat once from left to right. Do the same for [d] and [l] sounds.t t t ttt tt tt tttt ttt ttt ttttt tttt tttt t– 11 –5. Muscular exercisesTap the back of the tongue on the soft palate(keeping tongue tip behind bottom teeth)A7🎧Repeat once from left to right. Do the same for [g] sound.k k k kkk kk kk kkkk kkk kkk kkkkk kkkk kkkk k– 12 –5. Muscular exercisesLip exercisesAll exercises to be repeated 4 times.1.With your jaw closed, spread lips back to a broad smile, and then bring forward to a tight [uː] position as in “June”.2.Repeat exercise 1, but with jaw open about 1″ (2.5cm).3.Make a chewing motion in all directions.4.Keeping the bottom lip still, raise the top lip towards the nostrils. Bring the lips together again. Quicken.5.Keeping the top lip still, move the bottom lip down. Bring the lips together again. Quicken.6.Move top and bottom lips alternately. Quicken.7.To relax the lips, blow through them very gently.8.Finish off with rhythm exercises for [p], [b], [m] and [w] sounds.A8🎧Repeat once from left to right. Do the same for [g] sound.p p p ppp pp pp pppp ppp ppp ppppp pppp pppp p– 13 –6. Articulation warm-up exercises6.Articulation warm-up exercisesA9🎧 Tongue tip on alveolar ridge: [t], [d], [l] and [n]Read each sentence three times outloud; tap tip of the tongue against alveolar ridge for [t], [d], [l], and [n] sounds which are highlighted.1.Two toads totally tired of trying to trot to Tetbury.2.A tutor who tutored the flute,Tried to tutor two tooters to toot,Said the two to the tutor.“Is it easier to toot,Or to tutor two tooters to toot?”3.Do drop in at the Dew-drop Inn.4.I want a dozen double damask dinner napkins.5.Neither Nina nor Nita needed new knitted knickers.6.A library littered with literary literature.7.Lots of little London lamp-lighters light London’s lot of little lamps.– 14 –6. Articulation warm-up exercisesA10🎧 Back of tongue on soft palate: [k] and [g]Read sentence three times outloud, keeping consonants clear and crisp.1.This crisp crust crackles crunchily.2.Can Kitty cuddle Clara’s kitten?3.Gloria Groot glued a grout to Gregory’s goat.4.Gladys glanced gaily at Grace and glided glitteringly past Greta at the gala.A11🎧 Both lips: [p], [b], [m] and [w]Read each exercise three times outloud, keeping consonants clear and crisp.1.Pappitty, peppitty, pippittyPappitty, peppitty, pippittyPappitty, peppitty, pippitty, poppitty, puppitty.2.Babbitty, bebbitty, bibbittyBabbitty, bebbitty, bibbittyBabbitty, bebbitty, bibbitty, bobbitty, bubbitty.3.Imagine an imaginary menagerie managerImagining managing an imaginary menagerie.– 15 –6. Articulation warm-up exercises4.Read each line four times outloud; energize [w] sound.Will you?Will you wait?Will you wait for Willy?Will you wait for Willy and Winnie?Will you wait for Willy and Winnie Williams?– 16 –7. Lesson 1: The [ɑː] sound as in “bark”7.Lesson 1: The [ɑː] sound as in “bark”A12🎧 Speech organs position:Open jaw, relaxed lips; flat tongue pulled back a little. The sound is made in the back of the mouth.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[ɑː -ɑː -ɑː]A13🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the target soundar, er (“r” is silent) a before consonantsstart, charter, Berkshire, regardless, charges, embarkplant, pass, paragraph, sample, tsunami, advance, last, saga, aftermath, past, class, demand, Chancellor, reprimand– 17 –7. Lesson 1: The [ɑː] sound as in “bark”A14🎧 PhrasesRead outloud.target markethard bargaindraft chargessergeant in commandsmart partnermarginal advantagefast answerghastly argumentMasters in Artin charge of staffon behalf of staffbenchmark examplehalf of the branchmargin chartsA15🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“After a storm comes a calm.” (Proverb)2.Is your glass half full or half empty?3.By and large, your examples were remarkable.4.The farmers’ remarks were truly from the heart.5.The fast-growing smartphone market is marvellous!6.Articulate Mr. Barr, our rising star, was named as marketing director of a supermarket chain.7.After all, I have to ask how Mark managed to receive such a remarkable return in emerging markets.A16🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.– 18 –7. Lesson 1: The [ɑː] sound as in “bark”It can’t be Sergeant Marlborough seen dancing in the dark,It can’t be Sergeant Marlborough seen laughing with a clerk,It hardly could be Marlborough, who asked the sheepish clerk,If he could teach the Sergeant dressage in Richmond Park.(W.S. Gilbert)– 19 –8. Lesson 2: The [uː] sound as in “boot”8.Lesson 2: The [uː] sound as in “boot”A17🎧 Speech organs position:Jaw is almost closed, lips pushed forward tightly into a whistle shape; the back of the tongue rises up towards the soft palate at the back ofthe mouth.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[uː - uː - uː]A18🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the target sound.oo, o, ou, u, ew, ueboom, removal, loophole, Waterloo, routinesecurities, UK, nuclear, unions, suitable, confusion, ubiquitous, remunerate, resolution, truce, ingenuityrenewable, rescue, subdued, undue– 20 –8. Lesson 2: The [uː] sound as in “boot”A19🎧 PhrasesRead outloud.news reviewgroup rulesthrough and throughtoo good to be trueunanimously approvedtruth about valuesuses excusesdoomed loserrefute an accusationunique opportunityfast-food revenuesa dispute on unityrefuse the abusefruitless routeA20🎧 SentencesRead outloud each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way.1.“A fool and his money are soon parted.” (Proverb)2.Too much supervision can be a nuisance.3.The economic boom had a huge impact on youth in the US.4.The scrupulous reviews proved that only a few issues regarding school improvements were true.5.You know, all the students in the business school are entitled to new computers, including you.6.I knew a few unscrupulous futures traders who didn’t play by the rules.A21🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.– 21 –8. Lesson 2: The [uː] sound as in “boot”A few of the crew had issuesWith the cool new boots they used.They threw them off and told the truth –These weren’t the boots to choose.– 22 –9. Lesson 3: The [ɔː] sound as in “fort”9.Lesson 3: The [ɔː] sound as in “fort”A22🎧 Speech organs position:Open jaw, lips are slightlyrounded and pushed forward. The back of the tongue rises at the back of the mouth.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[ɔː - ɔː - ɔː]A23🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the target soundor, aw, au, alfortunate, storage, according, shortage, enforcement, guarantor, forward, disproportionate, distortion, Singaporelaunch, default, automated, authorisation, waterfall, autocracy, audacity, altered, all– 23 –9. Lesson 3: The [ɔː] sound as in “fort”A24🎧 PhrasesRead outloud.sort of shortsmall talkwar horseaudit reportwater sportscore reformsautonomous thoughtsextraordinarily importantmortgage fraudlaw and ordercourt ordercorporate lawsmall flawsan exhausting callcause an uproarautomatic doorA25🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way.1.“Don’t shut the stable door after the horse has bolted.” (Proverb)2.A penny for your thoughts?3.It’s a tall order for all to conform to austerity measures.4.By supporting your people you’ll restore their confidence in your causes.5.The audit of offshore accounts brought to light unlawful money laundering by corporate executives.6.It is the order of this court that you enforce the new taxation law.7.It’s been reported that the corporation in question issued a short statement for the Fraud Squad.A26– 24 –9. Lesson 3: The [ɔː] sound as in “fort”🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Claude bought a porch and an oak floor,He also ordered a gorgeous door,He talked to the porter about all he bought,It was awesome to know what the porter thought!– 25 –10. Lesson 4: The [iː] sound as in “feet”10.Lesson 4: The [iː] sound as in “feet”A27🎧 Speech organs position:Jaw is almost closed, lips are spread; the front of the tongue is high and forward in the mouth.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[iː - iː - iː]A28🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the target soundee, e, ea, ie, eiemail, secretive, leveraging, pre-eminent, tweak, between, unleash, reasonable, meaning, increase, treaty, appeal, dream, features, eachfield, relief, seize, perceived, receipt– 26 –10. Lesson 4: The [iː] sound as in “feet”A29🎧 PhrasesRead outloud.Fleet StreetMedia Chieffreehold feessneak a peeklease agreementdecent and reasonablemisleading and deceitfulfeel freelegal fieldteam meetinglegal proceedingsfreedom of speecheasy to completerecently revealedA30🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“A new broom sweeps clean.” (Proverb)2.Keenness will be needed even if action is agreed.3.People need strong leaders in these uneasy times.4.The Chief Executive revealed secret details of the deal to his legal team.5.We’ve seen major changes during the Arab Spring where all these autocratic regimes are being unseated.6.We believe that Greece needs to leave the Euro reasonably soon.7.How to give positive feedback is a frequently discussed management dilemma, but being the recipient of praise can be equally difficult.– 27 –10. Lesson 4: The [iː] sound as in “feet”A31🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Hear me, hear me, if you please,These are very strange proceedings –For permit me to remarkOn the merit of my pleadings,You’re at present in the dark.(W.S. Gilbert)– 28 –11. Lesson 5: The [ɜː] sound as in “third”11.Lesson 5: The [ɜː] sound as in “third”A32🎧 Speech organs position:Jaw is half-open, relaxed lips; the middle of the tongue rises slightly.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[ɜː - ɜː - ɜː]A33🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the target sounder, ear, eur, ir, ur, orobserve, prefer, concern, term, inadvertently, mergers, earnest, earthquakeconnoisseur, circulatecurve, urban, spur, murky, turbulent, worthy, reimburse– 29 –11. Lesson 5: The [ɜː] sound as in “third”A34🎧 PhrasesRead outloud.allergic to workmerchant firmreverse the verdictin a perfect worldworsening circumstancescontroversial alternativeskirmishing entrepreneursservice workword by wordemergency alertreturn the purchasepersonal purposespreserve and conserveInternal Revenue ServiceA35🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way.1.“The early bird catches the worm.” (Proverb)2.This is the worst of both worlds!3.The world economy is in turmoil due to burdensome uncertainties.4.First, let’s confirm the firm’s turnover in the emerging markets.5.Because the world’s worst attorney knew how the law worked, he was always sure to get certain job perks.6.Perfect, the surplus cash will allow us an urgently needed stock repurchase!7.In his early work, Sir Mervyn Bird referred to his personal and universal dreams.A36– 30 –11. Lesson 5: The [ɜː] sound as in “third”🎧 Word comparisons: long [ɔː] and long [ɜː]Read outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.[ɔː][ɜː]shorttermlukewarmbookwormtortureterminatesortcertainyawnyearnwalkworkwornwordtornadoJordantalkativeturnoutGermanyTurkeyA37🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.I know Bernie’s work and what he earns;And I carefully compare it with his income tax returns.– 31 –12. Revision: Long vowels12.Revision: Long vowelsA38🎧 Passage: Where to invest?Tasks:Read outloud. Liaise words together. Don’t make pauses between words that belong together, such as: articles or prepositions and a noun; verbs withadverbials; and compound nouns.Lean on long vowels, which are highlighted in bold.“Let’s talk about quantitative easing. It has a lot of good effects. It also has some downside, including the fact that most pension funds are reallychallenged to make their returns.“Well, in terms of the impact of pension investing, it’s very hard for pensions to earn any kind of reasonable return when real interest rates arenegative, and they have been for some period of time. That ripples through all traditional securities markets: from government bonds right upto the stock market. So, pension funds are not going to get the return they need by just relying on traditional, publicly trading securities.“The stock market hasn’t been a brilliant performer for many years. Private equity has outperformed it – in many cases, spectacularly. Stockmarket return is about one percent in the last decade. Going forward it is expected to return five, six percent, that’s about it.“Many investors are now shifting into investing in hard assets. Investors go to real estate, emerging markets, look into start-ups, new buildsand energy deals.” (Anonymous)– 32 –13. Lesson 6: The [ə] neutral vowel (schwa) as in “the”13.Lesson 6: The [ə] neutral vowel (schwa) as in “the”Schwa is the most used sound in English. Very often, unstressed syllables and unstressed words in a sentence are pronounced with a schwa.A39🎧 Speech organs position:Jaw is half-open, relaxed lips; the middle of the tongue rises slightly. The sound is very short.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[ə - ə - ə]– 33 –13. Lesson 6: The [ə] neutral vowel (schwa) as in “the”A40🎧 Words with unstressed suffixesRead outloud. Suffixes are pronounced with the schwa, which is highlighted.1.er, arforwardRichardSouthernbanker2.oreffortBrentfordStanfordHolborn3.ureventurefutureadventuresignature4.osecondreasonabandoncustoms5.iaessentialcommercialbeneficialRussia6.io, ioumentionoppositionatrociousglobalization7.oufamousglamorousunscrupuloushorrendous8.ereofferedgatheredwonderedwanderedA41– 34 –13. Lesson 6: The [ə] neutral vowel (schwa) as in “the”🎧 Words with unstressed positionsRead outloud. Prefixes are pronounced with the schwa, which is highlighted.•aaccounting amountadhereadministeraccordingagreement•oconsumercompletelycompliantcontriveopinionoblivious•urpursuecurtailsurvivepurloinburritopurport•erpercentpermittedperspectiveperceptionperfectionperformanceA42🎧 PhrasesRead outloud liaising words in each phrase.conventional wisdominvestment bankerdiplomatic concernupward mobilityglobal centreacross the sectordeveloped economiespolitical agendapotential customersapplicable amount– 35 –13. Lesson 6: The [ə] neutral vowel (schwa) as in “the”A43🎧 Articles and PrepositionsRead outloud liaising words in each phrase.•ain a positionto turn a cornerto be in a stateto put up a defence•anan awful lotthat’s an ideato buy an assetto reach an impasse•andoil and gassales and marketingmergers and acquisitionsresearch and development•ofin spite of claimsby way of a preferenceon the horns of a dilemmaon the brink of collapseA44🎧 VerseRead outloud liaising words in each line.This very afternoon – at two (about) –The court appointments will be given out.To each and all (for that was the condition)According to professional position!(W.S. Gilbert)– 36 –13. Lesson 6: The [ə] neutral vowel (schwa) as in “the”A45🎧 Passage: Advice to people in businessTasks:Read outloud. Liaise words together. Don’t make pauses between words that belong together, such as: articles or prepositions and a noun; verbs withadverbials; and compound nouns.Lean on long vowels, which are highlighted in bold.“Figure out your personal mission as a leader and team contributor. What is the distinctive purpose of your contributions, and what are thetalents and qualifications you bring to the table? Create strategies and priorities to advance your purpose, through enhancement of both:•your human capital (education, work experience and skill development) and•your social capital (networks, relationships, collaborations).Always be mindful of your ultimate mission, because this is where true fulfilment will come from.Enjoy the journey, not just the destination. Share yourself generously – seek opportunities to serve others and give of yourself. Learn to loveand accept yourself for who you are. Be humble and kind to others.” (D.Bilimoria).– 37 –14. Lesson 7: The [ɪ] sound as in “pit”14.Lesson 7: The [ɪ] sound as in “pit”A46🎧 Speech organs position:Jaw is nearly closed, lips slightly spread; the front of the tongue rises high in the front of the mouth.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[ɪ - ɪ - ɪ]A47🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the target soundi, e, yprovision, profitability, implement, intensity, internet, prohibited, liquidity, initiative, incrediblyeconomy, prevaricate, reflect, restrain, example, report, excel, exceedingly, essentially, environment, elicit, effectively, eliminate, ambivalent,Egypt, syndicate, dyspeptic, synergy, symbiosis– 38 –14. Lesson 7: The [ɪ] sound as in “pit”A48🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasecredit riskdiplomatic issueThe Economistinformation systemsinitial investmentdomestic economyto begin withfiscal policyprofit marginto live in denialbusiness intelligenceexcruciatingly embarrassinginflation and instabilitycredibility and integrity– 39 –14. Lesson 7: The [ɪ] sound as in “pit”A49🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.It’s a totally different kettle of fish!2.“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest”. (Benjamin Franklin)3.Trading in derivatives is a risky business.4.Regrettably, the Middle East still remains an epicentre of crisis.5.The president of the International Monetary Fund rejected all reports of wrongdoing.6.It’s important to be emotionally intelligent and sensitive with your former boss who becomes your subordinate.7.“The pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity and the optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” (Abraham Lincoln)A50🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.I am a peppery kind of King,Who’s indisposed for parleyingTo fit the wit of a bit of a chit,And that’s the long and short of it!(W.S. Gilbert)– 40 –15. Lesson 8: Comparison [ɪ] - [iː]15.Lesson 8: Comparison [ɪ] - [iː]Short [ɪ] highlighted; long [iː] highlighted and underlined.A51🎧 Comparison: long [iː] and short [ɪ][iː][ɪ]treattrickeaseisteamtimhealinghissingdealdidgreedygridleaselinkreadridA52🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasebig dealplead guiltyto be in recessionquantitative easingseizing the opportunityleaving a universitySecurity Councilcommodities tradingcommittee meetingagree to disagreebusiness dealpeople skills– 41 –15. Lesson 8: Comparison [ɪ] - [iː]A53🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Seeing is believing.” (Proverb)2.The building was besieged by the police.3.The victim is being treatid in the hospital.4.I believe we need a meaningful discussion regarding this issue.5.The court findings revealed excruciatingly embarrassing illegal bisiness dealings.6.There is a high digree of subjectivity in what he said.7.Good leaders are focused and driven; they surround themselves with great people and aren’t afraid to take calculated risks.A54🎧 VerseRead outloud liaising words in each line.Greatly pleased with interest rates,To get a mortgage we decide.With all our finances so great,Not a chance to be declined!– 42 –16. Lesson 9: The [ʌ] sound as in “hut”16.Lesson 9: The [ʌ] sound as in “hut”A55🎧 Speech organs position:The jaw is three quarters open, lips relaxed; the middle of the tongue rises slightly in the centre of the mouth.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[ʌ - ʌ - ʌ]A56🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [ʌ] soundu, o, ouHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [ʌ]justice, begrudge, substances, multitude, but, industrious, consultant, understand, Brussels, uncomfortable, structure, unprincipled, hunchworry, wonder, London, someone, oven, come, cover-up, double-check, touch-screen, trouble– 43 –16. Lesson 9: The [ʌ] sound as in “hut”A57🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasemother tonguepublic companydone and dustedunder budgetfront runnerthumbs upshrunken productionmoney vulturespick-up truckrobust currencycustomers’ trustgovernment funda number of countriesupcoming resultsmonthly incomeup and runningA58🎧 SentencesRead outloud each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way.1.“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” (Proverb)2.Enough is enough: I can’t stomach such a repulsive customer!3.Cuts in public funding are the subject of the current summit.4.On Monday, the UK government unveiled plans to confront the country’s budget deficit.5.The discovery of undervalued assets and unpaid debts troubled the company’s owner.6.Tough times don’t last; tough people do.7.“There is nothing new under the Sun.” (Proverb)A59🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.– 44 –16. Lesson 9: The [ʌ] sound as in “hut”Never trusta sloppy crust,a squally gust,ships that rust,or girls with lust.But if you must,you may trustto go bust,and back to dust,which serves you just.(W.S. Gilbert)A60🎧 Word comparisons: Short [ʌ] highlighted; long [ɑː] highlighted and underlined.Read outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.[ɑː][ʌ]behalfhundredreprimandjhudgestaffstuckbranchnoneanswerunscrupulousParliamentrepubliccommandcome upexampleinstruct– 45 –16. Lesson 9: The [ʌ] sound as in “hut”A61🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraselarge sumsRepublican Partyunpaid chargesunreasonable demandsfast-growing companybargain huntparagraph numberupper classA62🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.Investors pumped large sums of money into global funds last month.2.The Chancellor encouraged ministries to conduct budget cuts rather fast.3.The financial markets were unstable as a result of large underwritten primary loans.4.The judge rejected Mr. Barker’s attempt to transfer culpability to Mrs. Barker.5.Mr. Barker argued that he was unaware of the trading conducted by his wife.– 46 –17. Lesson 10: The [ɒ] sound as in “box”17.Lesson 10: The [ɒ] sound as in “box”A63🎧 Speech organs position:The jaw is three quarters open, lips relaxed; the middle of the tongue rises slightly in the centre of the mouth.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[ɒ - ɒ - ɒ]A64🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [ɒ] soundo, aoccupy, watchdog, continent, consolidate, stock opportunity, opposition, conduct, sovereign, property, policy, operator, online, oligarchwander, want– 47 –17. Lesson 10: The [ɒ] sound as in “box”A65🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraseproblem solvedmoal responsibilitymodern technologystrong oppositionconsequences of borrowingpolitics and the economyby a long shotprofit and lossoffice politicsforgotten promisesongoing dialogueoperations officerto offer stock optionsit’s a long storyA66🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“A watched pot never boils.” (Proverb)2.“I want top dollar for my job!” “You got it!”3.Quality remains long after price and quantity are forgotten.4.A common fiscal union needs a common bond market.5.Often packed with shoppers, supermarkets may not appear the obvious setting for robbery.6.British politics is often opportunistic, which is a common international phenomenon, and that is a problem.7.“Dog does not eat dog.” (Proverb)– 48 –17. Lesson 10: The [ɒ] sound as in “box”A67🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Mr. Bond was quite odd with his gong,He knocked at it all day long;But they screamed, “Knock it off, you horrid little toff!”So they stopped Mr. Bond with a gong.– 49 –18. Lesson 11: Comparison [ɒ] - [ɔː] and [ɒ] - [ʌ]18.Lesson 11: Comparison [ɒ] - [ɔː] and [ɒ] - [ʌ]A68🎧 Word comparisons: long [ɔː] and short [ɒ]Read outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.[ɔː][ɒ]boughtbosslawlossalreadyofferimportantimpossiblequarterqualitycausecorrespondpausepovertyborderbox office– 50 –18. Lesson 11: Comparison [ɒ] - [ɔː] and [ɒ] - [ʌ]A69🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraseall goneshort stoppawn shopborn to conquerthe long and shortproduct launchflawless contractgorgeous propertyrestored confidencenot in orderA70🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Neither a borrower nor a lender be.” (Proverb)2.Unfortunately, the German economy depends heavily on exports.3.Some politicians foresaw problems in the US economy because it always relies heavily on oil.4.The importance of alternative energy sources was a hot topic at the former conference.5.We deal with what we can afford, within limitations of economic necessity – and hope that before long, technology or lower-cost outsourcingoptions prevail.6.The chronic deficit of economic opportunity was the core reason for the Arab Spring revolutions.– 51 –18. Lesson 11: Comparison [ɒ] - [ɔː] and [ɒ] - [ʌ]A71🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Saucers and tops,Lobsters and mops,Set it a hopping and see how he hops!– 52 –19. Lesson 12: The [e] sound as in “pet”19.Lesson 12: The [e] sound as in “pet”A72🎧 Speech organs position:The jaw is three quarters open, lips relaxed; the middle of the tongue rises slightly in the centre of the mouth.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[e – e - e]A73🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [e] sounde, a, eacredentials, detriment, integrity, echo, editor, agenda, venture, consent, benefit, extradite, terribly, speculative, levy, ahead, spread, any– 53 –19. Lesson 12: The [e] sound as in “pet”A74🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasedebt levelvery wellnever ever againausterity measuresan educated guesslet them helpplenty of enemiestempting aspectpredatory lendingenmeshed in the messanything elsefair weather friendsnegative headlinesin the event of jeopardycelebrity guestnet present valueelectrical engineeringtechnical expertinvestment segmentthreat of aggressionA75🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Prevention is better than cure.” (Proverb)2.The wealth and prosperity index is essential for investors.3.The technology development sector is the centre of focus for many venture capitalists.4.The threateningly high estimated credit debts level led to new credit risk assessment measures.5.Sceptics said that many countries will exit the EU in the next decade.6.It’s mperative ahead of lending a penny that lenders request definite credentials.7.“God helps those who help themselves.” (Proverb)– 54 –19. Lesson 12: The [e] sound as in “pet”A76🎧 Comparison: long [iː], short [ɪ] and short [e][iː][ɪ][e]leadlidledbeadbidbedreadridredbeenbillBenkneelnilNellseatsitsetA77🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Hen, hen, my lovely hen,Lays the eggs for gentlemen;Gentlemen come every dayAnd check the eggs my hen has laid.– 55 –20. Lesson 13: The [ʊ] sound as in “book”20.Lesson 13: The [ʊ] sound as in “book”A78🎧 Speech organs position:The jaw is almost closed, lips rounded and forward. The back of the tongue is high in the back of the mouth.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[ʊ - ʊ - ʊ]A79🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [ʊ] soundu, oo, o, oulHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [ʊ]fully, push, fulfil, bully, Uzbek, Fulham, ambush, reputation, popular, ridiculous, output– 56 –20. Lesson 13: The [ʊ] sound as in “book”booking, woman, Brooklyn, Bundestag, Pembroke, crook, took, shook, withstood, forsook, bosomcould, should, wouldA80🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasecook the bookspush and pullgood-looking womanby hook or by crookA81🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.We would if we could, but should we?2.It would’ve been better if we could’ve started on an equal footing.3.The accountant could’ve cooked the books.4.I should get two hundred pounds by hook or by crook.5.Low book prices on-line could push some bookshops out of business.6.Look, we just need to put out the hooks to catch the fish.– 57 –20. Lesson 13: The [ʊ] sound as in “book”A82🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.How many books could a crook cook,If a crook could cook the books?A crook could cook as many booksAs a crooked crook who could cook the books.– 58 –21. Lesson 14: Comparison [ʊ] and [uː]21.Lesson 14: Comparison [ʊ] and [uː]A83🎧 Contrast between short [ʊ] and long [uː][ʊ][uː]goodGooglefootfoodBuddhaboombookboostreputationpunitivefootagefusionnooknewsmistookmisusesootsuerookrumourssituationdutiesbrookbrood– 59 –21. Lesson 14: Comparison [ʊ] and [uː]A84🎧 Sentences: short [ʊ] sound highlighted as bold and long [uː] highlighted as black and underlinedListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“In putting off what one has to do, one runs the risk of never being able to do it.” (Charles Baudelaire)2.The troop movement could’ve been better captured by a news reporter.3.The Tuesday issue of The Times should be reviewed by Luke.4.I knew that this new book about organic food would be good for you.5.Top footwear producers use leather of superior quality.– 60 –22. Lesson 15: The [æ] sound as in “mad”22.Lesson 15: The [æ] sound as in “mad”A85🎧 Speech organs position:Open jaw, open loose lips; tongue almost flat at the bottom of the mouth. The sound is made in the front of the mouth.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[æ – æ – æ]A86🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.ambition, tag, mathematics, pack, character, harass, accident, began, rank, thank, maximum, absolutely, parallel, embarrass, paragraph,calendar, traction, aspect, backlash, pact, Afghanistan, candidate, fragile, barrel, fabulous, fantastic, tablet– 61 –22. Lesson 15: The [æ] sound as in “mad”A87🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasecapital banklack of cashbrand manageraverage salarybank guaranteebad attitudethe matter in handcarry the baggagehandle manuallydiplomatic backingnarrow trackestablish standardsasset managementmassive damagesplan of actionpractical applicationas a matter of factlack of tactoutstanding taxesadd valueA88🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Manners make the man.” (Proverb)2.I had to haggle over the price of hats.3.A tax analyst was challenged by an angry banker.4.The Glass Steagall Act banned bad bank practices.5.Producing gas from shale brought about massive changes in the oil and gas industry and new challenges in geopolitics.6.Management books preach the importance of attracting, developing and managing top talent.– 62 –22. Lesson 15: The [æ] sound as in “mad”A89🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Mad with fascination!Goaded to distractionBy maddening inaction,I find some satisfactionIn apostrophe like this…(W.S.Gilbert)Three young rats in black felt hatsDanced all night with drunken cats!– 63 –23. Revision: Short vowels23.Revision: Short vowelsA90Passage: Technology and ITTasks:Read outloud.Liaise words together. Don’t make pauses between words that belong together, such as: articles, prepositions and a noun; verbswith adverbials; compound nouns. Note that words with short vowels have crisp consonants. Short vowels are highlighted.“Technology and IT are at the heart of financial business activities these days. CIOs, the chief information officers of major companies, are atthe core of this IT function.“What is the role of technology in the financial services industry? Well, at its core, it’s instrumental. There is a deep appreciation for thedifference the use of technology can make for clients. Companies are undergoing large investment in technology footprint, in spite of thefinancial pressure the whole industry is under.“What sort of challenges can be addressed through technology? In financial services a lot of IT work is data-centric. There is an opportunityto marry new processing techniques, for example private cloud. It is basically providing an enormous amount of computing capacity coupledwith huge amounts of data. There is a lot of information that can help customers to manage risks better and make better insights.” (Anonymous)– 64 –24. Lesson 16: Diphthong [əʊ] as in “boat”24.Lesson 16: Diphthong [əʊ] as in “boat”B1🎧 Speech organs position:Start with relaxed lips and tongue in [ə] as in “the” position (Lesson 6). Then bring the lips forward into the short [ʊ] as in “book” position(Lesson 13) .Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[ə - ə - əʊ - - ə - ə - əʊ - - əʊ - əʊ - əʊ]B2🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [əʊ] soundo, oa, owHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [əʊ]download, roadmap, only, most, post, note, revoke, chosen, corrosive, echo, overhaul, coach, wholesale, portfolio, owe, row– 65 –24. Lesson 16: Diphthong [əʊ] as in “boat”B3🎧 PhraseRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraseglobal rolepolo ponysocial progressproposed loanoverseas takeoverslowdown of growthCEO of British Petroleumoh no!don’t know!suppose sohold my ownslow processbold approachbelow the scopeB4🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” (Proverb)2.The overvalued hotel proposal was a total joke!3.Joining the Euro zone is not the only way to grow national economies.4.Promoter Joseph Knowles was ferociously imposing overpriced mobile phones.5.Following the probationary period, the judge overruled the proposed veto.6.Fears of global slowdown resulted in borrowing costs plunging to new all-time lows.7.We’ve seen an ongoing protest in Iran and that, as we all know, will no doubt go on.– 66 –24. Lesson 16: Diphthong [əʊ] as in “boat”B5🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Most brokers hoping for a bonus,Focus on closing deals in moments.Brokers come and brokers go,The bonus time they never know.– 67 –25. Lesson 17: Diphthong [eɪ] as in “pay”25.Lesson 17: Diphthong [eɪ] as in “pay”B6🎧 Speech organs position:Start in [e] as in “pet” position, with the lips in a soft smile and raised front of the tongue (Lesson 12). Then the front of the tongue rises a littlemore forward, to [ɪ] as in “pit” position, and the lips spread slightly (Lesson 7).Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[e - e - eɪ - - e - e - eɪ - - eɪ - eɪ - eɪ]B7🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [eɪ] sounda, ai, ay, ey, letter “h”Highlighted bold letters pronounced as [eɪ]indicate, persuade, Wales, behave, activate, encapsulate, innovation, calculation, prevailingaim, claim, afraid, refrain, engrained, disdainmay, conveyHR, HSBC, HRH– 68 –25. Lesson 17: Diphthong [eɪ] as in “pay”B8🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraseno pain, no gaindelayed paymentstay awaytrade dataplay the gameable to savemake or breakDaily Mailpopulation survey straight facemain domainstraight awaycorporation surveymaintain sustainabilityB9🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” (A proverb)2.I’m afraid you must pay your taxes today without fail or delay.3.Nations with greater power have greater responsibility.4.Traders were ashamed and dismayed by the insider trading claim.5.Long waits and immigration regulations gave visitors a terrible impression and London’s reputation as a welcoming place for trade wasat stake.6.In the last decade, Asian oil companies became major players on the world stage.– 69 –25. Lesson 17: Diphthong [eɪ] as in “pay”B10🎧 VersesInstructions: Copy the intonation and modulate the voice after the audiobook.Failure to make any gainMade an old trader insane!It’s a greasy kind of pastry;Is perhaps the judgement hasty?Some may think it rather tasty!– 70 –26. Lesson 18: Diphthong [ɔɪ] as in “boy”26.Lesson 18: Diphthong [ɔɪ] as in “boy”B11🎧 Speech organs position:Start in [ɔː] as in “fort” position, lips forward and quite tight; the jaw is fairly closed (Lesson 3). Then move to [ɪ] as in “pit” position; the tonguerises forward, lips slightly spread (Lesson 12).Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[ɔː - ɔː - ɔɪ - - ɔː - ɔː - ɔɪ - - ɔɪ - ɔɪ - ɔɪ]B12🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [ɔɪ] soundoi,oyHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [ɔɪ]purloin, poisonous, Illinois, Android, rejoice, poise, turmoil, reconnoitre, paranoid, disappoint, soil, devoid enjoy, foyer, voyage, unemployment– 71 –26. Lesson 18: Diphthong [ɔɪ] as in “boy”B13🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasehoi polloioil exploitationdestroyed voicemailby Royal appointmentnoisy toyspointless ployspoilt for choicefrom point to pointB14🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way•The new appointment was poignant for Floyd.•I was so annoyed that Mr. Freud had destroyed my voicemail.•A coy Croydon boy was employed as an envoy for urban hoi polloi.•Unemployment creates a poignant void and spoils the career prospects of young boys.•Disappointed investors have to contend with a spike in oil and commodity prices such as soybeans and oilseeds.•I was, to coin a phrase, gobsmacked and annoyed by this fraudulent ploy!– 72 –26. Lesson 18: Diphthong [ɔɪ] as in “boy”B15🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.With heart and with voiceLet us welcome this choice!May their love never cloy!May their bliss be unbounded!With a halo of joyMay their lives be surrounded!– 73 –27. Lesson 19: Diphthong [ɪə] as in “hear”27.Lesson 19: Diphthong [ɪə] as in “hear”A16🎧 Speech organs position:Start with the tongue high in the front of the mouth in [ɪ] as in the “pit” position (Lesson 7). Then drop the tongue back into [ə] as in the “the”position (Lesson 6).Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[ɪ - ɪ - ɪə - - ɪ - ɪ - ɪə - - ɪə - ɪə - ɪə]B17🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [ɪə] soundea, ear, ere, ia, ier, io, iou, einearly, sphere, severe, clearanceimperial, oblivion, appropriate, tedious, tier, era disappear, curiously, fastidious, familiar, Nigeria, Libya, Syria, Tanzania, Serbia– 74 –27. Lesson 19: Diphthong [ɪə] as in “hear”B18🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasea notorious racketeerdreary atmospheresenior and superiorEuropean Court hearingfear of peer pressureperiod of resiliencea career in engineeringyear by yeara dubious ideasmile from ear to earB19🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.The atmosphere during the court hearing was really serious.2.Ian Shearer, who was previously a financeir, works as a casheir selling Italian cashmere.3.A notoriously weird engineer interfered by inappropriately changing the gear.4.It’s weird, but flattery works even if the recipient knows it’s insincere.5.The European exterior ministers were oblivious and not at all serious.6.Clearly, some peers interfered with my getting a clearance and deprived me of my first Parliamentary experience.7.Ideally, we need to stay clear of the fronteirs of the northern hemisphere.– 75 –27. Lesson 19: Diphthong [ɪə] as in “hear”B20🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.There was an Old Man with a beard,Who said, ‘It is just as I feared! –Ten Owls and a Hen, four Larks and a Wren,Have all built their nests in my beard!’Count your blessings by smiles, not tears;Count your age by friends, not years.At first it appearedI was a good engineer,But my peers interfered,And made it very clear,I should become an auctioneer.– 76 –28. Lesson 20: Diphthong [aɪ] as in “pie”28.Lesson 20: Diphthong [aɪ] as in “pie”B21🎧 Speech organs position:Start with flat tongue, open jaw in [a] position as in “pasta”. Then move to [ɪ] as in “pit” position; the jaw closes, the tongue rises, lips slightlyspread (Lesson 12).Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[a - a - aɪ - - a - a - aɪ - - aɪ - aɪ - aɪ]B22🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [aɪ] soundy, i, ei, ig, igh, uiHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [aɪ]rely, bye, combine, collide, final, giant, minority, Island, reconcile, derive, climax, horizon, buyer, indictment, diversify, anodyne, seismic, sizeenlighten, guidelines, sign, benign, malign– 77 –28. Lesson 20: Diphthong [aɪ] as in “pie”B23🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraseby designlibrary archivesisolated minoritya minor crimeadvertising giantquite righta sign of the timeshiring and firingrising pricesbiding my timedenying liesprecise mileageresign as directorlikelihood of crisisprovide the supplyupside and downsideB24🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Strike while the iron’s hot.” (Proverb)2.Our clients would like to be wined and dined on Friday night; I’ll try to organise a really great time.3.The right price combined with the right quality is precisely what we advertise.4.I’ve finally arrived on time to sign this vital licensing agreement.5.Online stores can now provide personalised designs to their clients on their dynamic websites.6.“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” (Oliver Wendell Holmes)– 78 –28. Lesson 20: Diphthong [aɪ] as in “pie”B25🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Tiger, tiger, burning bright,In the forests of the night.(William Blake)When I see golden eagles fly,And see them soar high in the sky,Or kestrels gently gliding by,I often wonder - why can’t I?– 79 –29. Lesson 21: Diphthong [ʊə] as in “sewer, triphthong [j ʊə] as in “fewer”29.Lesson 21: Diphthong [ʊə] as in “sewer, triphthong [j ʊə] as in “fewer”B26🎧 Speech organs position:Start with lips forward in the [ʊ] position as in “book” (Lesson 13). Then move to [ə] position, as in “the”, with the lips falling back and jawopening. (Lesson 6).Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[ʊ - ʊ - ʊə - - ʊ - ʊ - ʊə - - ʊə - ʊə - ʊə]B27🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [ʊə] soundu before r, ue, ua, wejurisdiction, reassurance, brochure, duration, security, procurefueling, neurotic, contractual, contextualise intellectual, cruel, fewer, newer– 80 –29. Lesson 21: Diphthong [ʊə] as in “sewer, triphthong [j ʊə] as in “fewer”B28🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasethe fury of the juryPuritan Europealluring procurementa rural tourpure bureaucracypremature assurancesB29🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“You’ve got to be cruel to be kind.” (Proverb)2.You’re sure that he is insured?3.For sure she is poor, but I can assure you she is very pure.4.I would like to be assured that your tour of the brewery can be endured by the tourists.5.You’re right to be furious about bureaucrats in Europe.6.Surely, my new clothes, fresh manicure and pedicure ensure that I look the part for the interviewer.7.During my wait for the insurer, I read the brochure about my life insurance.– 81 –29. Lesson 21: Diphthong [ʊə] as in “sewer, triphthong [j ʊə] as in “fewer”B30🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.It’s important to always make sure,When you decide to embark on a tour,That you mustn’t be late,And your passport’s in date,And your finances are really secure.– 82 –30. Lesson 22: Diphthong [eə] as in “pair”30.Lesson 22: Diphthong [eə] as in “pair”B31🎧 Speech organs position:Start in [e] as in “pet” position, lips spread, front of the tongue lifted in the front of the mouth (Lesson 12). Then the tongue relaxes back into [ə]as in “the” position; the lips become floppy and loose (Lesson 6).Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[e - e - eə - - e - e - eə - - eə - eə - eə]B32🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [eə] soundair, eir, iar, a before r, areHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [eə]fair game, airline, mayor, their, impairment dairy, precarious, variable, scarcely, vicarious agrarian, wearable, secretarial, beware, dare,farewell, square, compare– 83 –30. Lesson 22: Diphthong [eə] as in “pair”B33🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasewear and tearfair shareforbear from swearingshared awarenessthere, therefair and squarehair repairfairly rarecareless parentsshareholders’ despairB34🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.” (Proverb)2.I wish to declare that I’ve not prepared your questionnaire!3.Everyone is aware of Clare’s nefarious office affair.4.They forgot to prepare spare chairs for their guests. They were unaware that two had to share a chair.5.Beware: we can’t repair your air conditioner without the missing spares.6.It’s unfair that companies use airbrushed models in their ads. Without airbrushing, they probably look hilarious and scary.– 84 –30. Lesson 22: Diphthong [eə] as in “pair”B35🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Eagles and pears,Slippers and bears,Set him a-staring and see how he stares!I am in great despair,I have broken the Chairman’s chair,As Chairmens’ chairs are rare,I’d better buy a new pair!– 85 –31. Lesson 23: Diphthong [aʊ] as in “how”31.Lesson 23: Diphthong [aʊ] as in “how”B36🎧 Speech organs position:Start with flat tongue, open jaw in [a] position as in “pasta”. Then bring the lips forward into the short [ʊ] position as in “book” (Lesson 13).Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[a - a - aʊ - - a - a - aʊ - - aʊ - aʊ - aʊ]B37🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [aʊ] sound ou, au, owHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [aʊ]lookout, cloud, housing, bounce, arouse, boundaries, Saudi, accountability, mountallowance, drown, crown, endow, powerhouse, downgrade, download– 86 –31. Lesson 23: Diphthong [aʊ] as in “how”B38🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraseproud fouderrenowned announcerastound the crowdsresound throughouta well-endowed housean ounce of powerabout an hourwithout a doubtround and roundHow about now?B39🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.Josh Round was a lousy accountant working downtown.2.It was announced that he was ousted from the office on the grounds of internet browsing during office hours.3.Anyhow, he is now out and about on the town spending his pounds.4.His renown was spread around the town.5.Howard made a ground-breaking announcement that customers opening a current account will be getting vouchers for a thousand pounds.6.It’s doubtful that Greece will somehow repay its mounting debts without a discount.– 87 –31. Lesson 23: Diphthong [aʊ] as in “how”B40🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Hark, the hour of ten is sounding;Hearts with anxious fears are bounding,Hall of Justice crowds surrounding,Breathing hope and fear…(W.S. Gilbert)– 88 –32. Lesson 24: Semi-vowel [j] as in “yes”32.Lesson 24: Semi-vowel [j] as in “yes”B42🎧 Speech organs position:Start with the front of the tongue high as in [iː] “feet”; then, immediately move the tongue down to the neutral [ə] schwa position.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[j - j - j]B43🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [j] soundy, u, e before wHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [j]yearn, yearly, yonder, younger, Yahoo!, induceassume, reduce, mutual, fugitive, ubiquitous, hubris, ingenuity, manipulator, magnitudefew, viewer, renew, newcomers– 89 –32. Lesson 24: Semi-vowel [j] as in “yes”B44🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraseannual reviewunited youthYale Universityfiduciary dutynuclear fusionEuropean Unionto use an argumentyearly yieldYouTube reviewYugoslavian communityB45🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“No news is good news.” (Proverb)2.It’s a huge honour to introduce the new Cuban leader.3.Have you refused to reduce the price of your yacht?4.Due to the confusion, please could you excuse us?5.The fugitive was accused of stealing a few million Euros from the European Central Bank.6.Matthew felt enthusiastic about a unique opportunity to pursue his dream.7.Bankers refuted all accusations and put the blame on regulators who failed to introduce regulatory measures in due time.– 90 –32. Lesson 24: Semi-vowel [j] as in “yes”B46🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Hugh is confused by your futile excuses.I assume Hugh is the guy whom no-one refuses.If Hugh is the one who continues to pursue you,You must change your attitude to Hugh, in my view.– 91 –33. Lesson 25: Semi-vowel [w] as in “was”33.Lesson 25: Semi-vowel [w] as in “was”B47🎧 Speech organs position:Start with the lips forward, as in [uː] “boot”, then immediately pull the lips back to the neutral [ə] schwa position.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.[ʌ - ʌ - ʌ]B48🎧 Repeat once from left to right:wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww– 92 –33. Lesson 25: Semi-vowel [w] as in “was”B49🎧 Words and phrasesRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [w] soundw,o, u after qHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [w]workable, nationwide, worldly, word-processor, widespread, wi-fi, byword, workshop, someoneacquisition, equivalent, quadruple, quarter, equivocal, quite, quota, liquiditywatchdog enquiryworking womanwealth of the worldWestern worldwidely watchedway forwardwhere were wewon swiftlyWorld WarWest Wingquick waywillingness to workworldwide networkone by one– 93 –33. Lesson 25: Semi-vowel [w] as in “was”B50🎧 Words: contrasts with [v] and [w]Listen carefully and repeat the sentences, noting the pronunciation of the strong and weak forms of the word.[w][v]onevanwonderfullyvicariouslywandervolatilitywidevarietyWesternVenetianwearablevariouswon’tvotewordingverdictwhimsicalvulnerableweaponsventureB51🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” (Proverb)2.We all waited to work together towards growth and expansion.3.We were on a wild-goose chase for a while, which was a total waste of time. We got nowhere. It’s a wake-up call for all of us!4.Our network was down for a while. We were left wondering how long we had to wait.5.We should stop worshipping the world’s top business leaders because they are not quite as good as everyone thinks they are.6.Will and I go way back. We both worked on Wall Street as traders. We quit last week and went to a wacky wedding.– 94 –33. Lesson 25: Semi-vowel [w] as in “was”B52🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.When we were up, we were up,When we were down, we were down.When we were only half-way up;We were neither up nor down.When we are happy we sigh with pleasure,When we are not we sigh with grief.– 95 –34. Lesson 26: Plosive consonants unvoiced [p] as in “put”, voiced [b] as in “but”34.Lesson 26: Plosive consonants unvoiced [p] as in “put”, voiced [b] as in “but”Plosive consonants: The air passage is completely blocked by two speech organs, pressure is built up, and on sudden release an explosive soundor “plosion” is heard.B53🎧 Speech organs position:The jaw is three quarters open, lips relaxed; the middle of the tongue rises slightly in the centre of the mouth.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.B54🎧 Repeat once from left to right:pppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp– 96 –34. Lesson 26: Plosive consonants unvoiced [p] as in “put”, voiced [b] as in “but”B55🎧 Words for unvoiced [p] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.pipeline, presence, privatisation, potential, profligate, prepare, paperwork, plaintiff, penalty, position, protestors, policy, collapse, promotion,participate, options, corrupt, typical, sponsor, pariahB56🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasepay packagepurchasing power paritytop prioritypending IPOprice premiumperfectly positionedpublic perceptionpay to playprivate propertyperformance paypublic transportoperating profitunprecedented supportpower of peer pressurepotential payoutsprofound impact– 97 –34. Lesson 26: Plosive consonants unvoiced [p] as in “put”, voiced [b] as in “but”B57🎧 Sentences: the unvoiced [p] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“punctuality is the politeness of kings.” (proverb)2.pompous peter piper prepared a proper speech for parliament.3.The basic components of a marketing plan are product, place, promotion and price.4.Often, presidents are just political puppets in the hands of powerful people.5.poor European countries benefitted from unprecedented support from the European Central Bank.6.It wasn’t a productivity miracle in banks in the recent period as profits were predominantly derived from leveraging.7.The successful approach in business is not so much about increasing productivity, but more about expanding business opportunities.B58🎧 Verse: the unvoiced [p] soundRead outloud liaising words in each line.A pretty pig found a fifty pound noteAnd purchased a hat and a proper pelt coat.– 98 –34. Lesson 26: Plosive consonants unvoiced [p] as in “put”, voiced [b] as in “but”B59🎧 Repeat once from left to right:bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbB60🎧 Words: the voiced [b] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.budget, subordinate, broker, billion, bottom, bribery, bankruptcy, bureaucrats, balance, buoyant, barrister, boundary, rebuff, rebuke, brace,barrelB61🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraserobust businessglobal boomboost borrowingsblurring the boundariesback to basicsbankers and brokersbroad basket of currenciesbanks bailoutbibs and bobsbounce backbig bangbulls and bearsbursting bubblesburn the bridges– 99 –34. Lesson 26: Plosive consonants unvoiced [p] as in “put”, voiced [b] as in “but”B62🎧 Sentences: the voiced [b] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” (Proverb)2.BT invests billions in high-speed broadband.3.Bolivia and Belgium have signed a bilateral agreement to regulate banks.4.Betting against bonds is betting against the Bank of England.5.Big businesses should be acting more like small businesses to be competitive6.Barak Obama defeated the Republican nominee and became the first black President of the United States.B63🎧 ComparisonsListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way.[p][b]povertyborrowpeacebeenpuppetbubblepurposeburstpoorboorprobebroker– 100 –34. Lesson 26: Plosive consonants unvoiced [p] as in “put”, voiced [b] as in “but”B64🎧 Verses: the voiced [b] soundInstructions: Copy the intonation and modulate the voice after the audiobook.Bow, bow, ye lower middle classes!Bow, bow, ye tradesmen, bow, ye masses!Blow the trumpets, bang the brasses!(W.S. Gilbert)A banker’s friend had robbed the bank.The banker told his friend called Frank,But Frank was broke,Without a hope.– 101 –35. Lesson 27: Plosive consonants unvoiced [t] as in “two”, voiced [d] as in “do”35.Lesson 27: Plosive consonants unvoiced [t] as in “two”, voiced [d] as in “do”B65🎧 Speech organs position:The tip of the tongue contacts the alveolar ridge and suddenly moves down to allow the compressed air to escape in a small explosion. This is[t] sound. Add voice for [d] sound.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.B66🎧 Repeat once from left to right:tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt– 102 –35. Lesson 27: Plosive consonants unvoiced [t] as in “two”, voiced [d] as in “do”B67🎧 Words: unvoiced [t] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.tangible, trust, typical, technology, support, toolkit, telecom, Twitter, training, internet, competitive, tender, private, secretary, protect, impart,what, that, importantB68🎧 Phrases: unvoiced [t] soundRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraseturning pointturbulent timetried and trusteddoesn’t matterisn’t it?sort it outtwists and turnsdebt generatorcredit limittechnical supporttakeover targeta terrible mistakepart of ittake it or leave itafter-tax profita stitch in time– 103 –35. Lesson 27: Plosive consonants unvoiced [t] as in “two”, voiced [d] as in “do”B69🎧 Sentences: the unvoiced [t] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” (Proverb)2.Not to put too fine a point on it, Europe is finished.3.I’m not entirely convinced that quantitative easing is the best strategy in the long term.4.Many politicians can’t be trusted. they lie left, right and centre to get to power.5.tom researched and tested his state of the art technology ten times before putting it on the market.6.Civil servants took to the streets to protest against austerity measures.7.I don’t want to sound like a rooster who is trying to take credit for the dawn.8.It takes two to tango.B70🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Take my advice when deep in debt,Set up a bank and play Roulette!To compliments inflated I’ve a withering reply;And vanity I always do my best to mortify;A charitable action I can skilfully dissectAnd interested motives I’m delighted to detect.(W.S.Gilbert)– 104 –35. Lesson 27: Plosive consonants unvoiced [t] as in “two”, voiced [d] as in “do”B71🎧 Repeat once from left to right:ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddB72🎧 Words: voiced [d] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.derivatives, decay, decided, deduction, devour, deficit, admit, downside, deflation, diversified, deteriorate, candid, downgraded, comprehend,outdated, defendant, demiseB73🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasebond yielddone dealdone and dustedadd or deductmodern dialogueto spread worldwidedebt debacledeficit reductiondead endday-to-daydue diligenceday in and day outantediluvian ideastrade deficitdefault on debtsdigital data– 105 –35. Lesson 27: Plosive consonants unvoiced [t] as in “two”, voiced [d] as in “do”B74🎧 Comparison: unvoiced [t] and voiced [d][t][d]tonedon’ttemperdamn it!bitterbidderratingradarexportrecordB75🎧 Sentences: the voiced [d] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Desperate diseases call for desperate remedies.” (Proverb)2.For the record, shareholders had received the dividends they hoped for.3.The deal demonstrated investors’ considerable interest in the drug industry.4.Today’s agenda is to dismiss all the delegates and redistribute their duties.5.It was good riddance to bad rubbish when unproductive middle managers were dismissed.6.Downgrading the credit ratings of major banks advocates that bankers need to work hard to create a less leverage-dependant business model.– 106 –35. Lesson 27: Plosive consonants unvoiced [t] as in “two”, voiced [d] as in “do”B76🎧 Verse: the voiced [d] soundRead outloud liaising words in each line.Oh, I was like that when a lad,A shocking young scamp of a rover,I behaved like a regular cadBut that sort of thing is all over.I am now a respectable chapAnd shine with virtue resplendent,And therefore, I haven’t a scrapOf sympathy with the defendant! (W.S. Gilbert)– 107 –36. Lesson 28: Plosive consonants unvoiced [k] as in “cake”, voiced [g] as in “go”36.Lesson 28: Plosive consonants unvoiced [k] as in “cake”, voiced [g] as in “go”B55🎧 Speech organs position:The back of the tongue contacts the soft palate at the back of the mouth and suddenly moves down to allow the compressed air to escape in asmall explosion. This is [k] sound. Add voice for [g] sound.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.B78🎧 Repeat once from left to right:kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk– 108 –36. Lesson 28: Plosive consonants unvoiced [k] as in “cake”, voiced [g] as in “go”B79🎧 Words: the unvoiced [k] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [k] soundk, q, c, ch, gHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [k]Kindle, Kuwait, keynote, kick-startquintessential, squatter, requisitionclient, consumer, communication, convenience, capability, document, copycatchemistry, cholesterol, chlorinestrength, lengthB80🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasecorrupt practicescredit mechanismconsolidated capitalincandescent careeraccurate expectationson the brink of collapsecore competencescomplicated transactionremarkably exciting factcash cowclear cutcredit crunchquid pro quoBRIC countriesmarketing cmpaignkey success factorscorporate culturecarefully constructed occurrence– 109 –36. Lesson 28: Plosive consonants unvoiced [k] as in “cake”, voiced [g] as in “go”B81🎧 Sentences: the unvoiced [k] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Cut your coat according to your cloth.” (Proverb)2.Clarity plays a key role in unlocking conflicts.3.The crisis came about because the IMF allowed the US to run unrealistic current account deficits.4.Countries like Russia and China avoid trading in dollars to cut transaction costs and minimize foreign exchange risks.5.Let’s cut to the chase and focus on expanding into broadcasting.6.Henry Kissinger declared: “If you control the oil you control the country; if you control food, you control the population.”7.The fours Cs of marketing stand for: customer, cost, competition and communication.B82🎧 Verses: the unvoiced [k] soundRead outloud liaising words in each line.A cruel cockroach walks on my backAnd my skin is tickled;And so I quit, distracted quite,In a most sickening pickle.– 110 –36. Lesson 28: Plosive consonants unvoiced [k] as in “cake”, voiced [g] as in “go”B83🎧 Repeat once from left to right:ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggB84🎧 Words: voiced [g] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [g] soundg, x-[gz]Highlighted bold letters pronounced as [g]Gambia, gamble, graphic, gas, gear, navigation, downgrade, leagueexamination, executive, exuberant, exit, exhibit, exile, exact, exempt– 111 –36. Lesson 28: Plosive consonants unvoiced [k] as in “cake”, voiced [g] as in “go”B85🎧 Comparison: unvoiced [k] and [g]kgclickglibexcursionexertionbackbegcoalitiongoalkindguidepickbigexcelexactB86🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasegreat gradesGolden Globegold diggerto get to gripsorganic growthexaggerated figuresglib governorgruff gossipergolden goosegravity of the neglect– 112 –36. Lesson 28: Plosive consonants unvoiced [k] as in “cake”, voiced [g] as in “go”B87🎧 Sentences: voiced [g] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“All that glitters is not gold.” (Proverb)2.Our main goal is to become a global leader in exporting gas.3.The existing government is an example of grandiose incompetence.4.The resignation that greeted the decision to downgrade the credit ratings of big banks suggests that even bankers agree that the globalbanking model was grotesque.5.We’ve seen big changes in the oil and gas industry: the stagnation of Western oil giants and the growth of 6. Russian and Chinese oil companiesgoing global.6.“The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” (Proverb)B88🎧 Verse: the voiced [g] soundRead outloud liaising words in each line.Gaiters and legs,Gooses and Eggs,Set him a-begging and see how he begs.– 113 –37. Lesson 29: Nasal consonant [m] as in “money”37.Lesson 29: Nasal consonant [m] as in “money”Nasal consonants: A sound formed by a complete closure in the mouth by speech organs. The soft palate is lowered so that the air is free to passout through the nose.B89🎧 Speech organs position:The lips come together so that the breath cannot be released through the mouth. It escapes through the nose where the sound is produced.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.B90🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.momentum, mediator, immigration, majority, motion, assume, multinational, mafia, damn, complaint, random, meltdown, form, permanent,intimidation, webcam, member, sarcasm, aim, magnitude, meritocracy, implement, mainstream– 114 –37. Lesson 29: Nasal consonant [m] as in “money”B91🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasemoney marketsintimidating remarksmathematical modelprogramme managersubmitted demursmost memorable momentto make assumptionscustoms formmedia mogulminimal marginmaximum impactemerging marketsB92🎧 Sentences: the [m] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.Money masters manipulate the money supply.2.My meeting with the Mexican Ambassador was a tremendously important moment in my miserable meaningless life.3.Markets’ stability depends mainly on economic fundamentals.4.Michael simply smirked in the most gruesome manner.5.In order to meet my ultimate ambition I have to monetise my main talents.6.Microeconomics is a branch of economics that studies firms making decisions on the allocation of limited resources.– 115 –37. Lesson 29: Nasal consonant [m] as in “money”B93🎧 Tongue-twister: the [m] soundRead outloud liaising words in each line.A maid named Lady MarmaladeMade mainly wine and lemonade.– 116 –38. Lesson 30: Nasal consonant [n] as in “no”38.Lesson 30: Nasal consonant [n] as in “no”B94🎧 Speech organs position:The jaw is three quarters open, lips relaxed; the middle of the tongue rises slightly in the centre of the mouth.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.B95🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [n] soundnHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [n]nonsensical, negative, neglect, nadir, agent, Nigeria, neo-colonialism, actions, nominate, niche, northbound, noteworthy, nonetheless, refund,innuendo, insinuation, conundrum, knock off– 117 –38. Lesson 30: Nasal consonant [n] as in “no”B96🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasenever endingnervous breakdownnon-refundablecompany accountsgovernment bondsnot to mentionentirely aloneno brainernon-negotiablein returnin denialone notchone by oneinternational communityB97🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.” (Proverb)2.In a nutshell, one never knows.3.My nemesis has always been procrastination.4.The new scientists’ know-how was of astronomical significance.5.The charges in the indictment include money laundering and tax evasion.6.One of the most important things in the oil industry nowadays is the continuing development of computing technology.7.NATO initiated a military operation on an unprecedented scale.– 118 –38. Lesson 30: Nasal consonant [n] as in “no”B98🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.And when amid the plaintiff’s shrieks,The ruffianly defendant speaks –Upon the other side;What he may say you needn’t mind…(W.S.Gilbert)– 119 –39. Lesson 31: Nasal consonant [ŋ] as in “sing”39.Lesson 31: Nasal consonant [ŋ] as in “sing”C1🎧 Speech organs position:The tip of the tongue is behind the bottom teeth, and the back of the tongue rises to contact the soft palate, so the breath cannot be releasedthrough the mouth. It escapes through the nose, where the sound is produced.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.C2🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [ŋ] soundng, n before k, q, cHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [ŋ]English, belonging, distinguish, timing, roaming, paying, Downing, warning, remaining, intervening, interferinginstinct, think, banking, drink, rank, shrunk, link, blank, precinct, sink, function, juncture– 120 –39. Lesson 31: Nasal consonant [ŋ] as in “sing”C3🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasebeing ablegetting evengoing abroadhaving askedtaking overfeeling honouredspeaking upgoing underamong uslong agohang upstrong urgeanything elselong hoursbring outstrong armyC4🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.Surprising news from Hong Kong proved disturbing, frightening and unsettling.2.The warning about not getting bonuses left bankers feeling anxious.3.Gaining votes is what we are aiming for in touring Birmingham.4.Not kings, but bankers are pulling the strings when it comes to financing and winning wars.5.It’s encouraging that the UK manufacturing sector looks as though it might be cranking up.6.The continuing development of computing technology is helping businesses to manage more and bigger data service.– 121 –39. Lesson 31: Nasal consonant [ŋ] as in “sing”C5🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Don’t display a lot of stocking,Which is always very shocking,But of course I’m only mocking!– 122 –40. Lesson 32: Nasal plosions [tn] as in “cotton”, [dn] as in “garden”40.Lesson 32: Nasal plosions [tn] as in “cotton”, [dn] as in “garden”C6🎧 Speech organs position:When the nasal consonant [n] is preceded by either of the plosive consonants [t] or [d], the tip of the tongue stays on the alveolar ridge, whilethe two sounds are made at the same time and the breath escapes through the nose.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.C7🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.tnwitness, Putney, important, forgotten, blatant, certainly, tighten, lighten, written, Brightondnneedn’t, broaden, prudent, student, wouldn’t, couldn’t, ardent, harden, riddance, hadn’t, didn’t, credence, needn’t– 123 –40. Lesson 32: Nasal plosions [tn] as in “cotton”, [dn] as in “garden”C8🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way[tn]1.Sir Courtney Burton was blatantly condemning Satan.2.I’ve forgotten about an important witness from Brighton.3.The written paper was certainly enlightening and potent.[dn]1.The gardener shouldn’t have said that; silence is golden.2.We shouldn’t be less prudent given that he hadn’t enough credence.3.New exorbitant student fees are certainly an increasing burden.C9🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.There was an old man in a garden,Who always begged everyone’s pardonWhen they asked him, “What for?” – he replied, “You’re a bore!And I trust you’ll go out of my garden.”– 124 –41. Lesson 33: Lateral consonant [l] as in “light”41.Lesson 33: Lateral consonant [l] as in “light”C10🎧 Speech organs position:The tip of the tongue is on the alveolar ridge and the back of the tongue is down. The breath escapes from the sides of the tongue. The soundis voiced.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.C11🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.London, listing, latent, liability, legacy, lawless, alongside, lawsuit, allowance, collateral, colleague, collision, complaint, layout, blog, layoff,infiltration, tolerance, equal, actual, deal, bill, manageable, blackmail, Blackberry, delve, tirelessly, struggle, allies, allegations– 125 –41. Lesson 33: Lateral consonant [l] as in “light”C12🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraselittle by littlelegitimate complaintmiles and milesan Achilles heelrule of lawunassailable logiclibrary of knowledgefinancial capitalrepeal a lawfollow my leadlong-lastingnewly electeda brilliant lawyerclose the loopto yield resultsParliamentary electionslogical conclusionlengthy litigationlet’s take a lookloan leverage– 126 –41. Lesson 33: Lateral consonant [l] as in “light”C13🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.” (Harry Truman)2.A leveraged buyout is when a small company buys a larger one using a loan against the larger company’s value.3.Overseas banks will be assessed according to their consolidated capital levels.4.Since the small entrepreneurs didn’t have collateral that was recognised by lenders, it was almost impossible for them to obtain loans fromtraditional banks.5.In some developing countries, loan instalments were collected on a daily or weekly basis to minimise the risk of default.6.It looks as though London streets are indeed paved with gold!7.The London lawyers’ guild featured Machiavellian legal lectures.C14🎧 Tongue-twisterRead outloud liaising words in each line.Luke Lock likes lakes.Luke’s dog likes lakes.Luke Lock swims in lakes.Luke’s dog looks at lakes.The dog takes a swim in lakes Luke Lock likes.Luke Lock takes his dog in lakes dogs like.– 127 –42. Lesson 34: Lateral plosions [tl] as in “little”, [dl] as in “candle”42.Lesson 34: Lateral plosions [tl] as in “little”, [dl] as in “candle”C15🎧 Speech organs position:When the lateral consonant [l] is preceded by either of the plosive consonants [t] or [d], the tip of the tongue stays on the alveolar ridge, whilethe two sounds are made at the same time and the breath escapes from the sides of the tongue.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.C16🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.tltightly, recently, justly, capital, lastly, shuttle, settlement, startle, tactless, dismantle, politely, digital, incremental, incidentaldlbadly, broadly, sadly, middle, hardly, mindless, needles, hurdles, idle, wheedle– 128 –42. Lesson 34: Lateral plosions [tl] as in “little”, [dl] as in “candle”C17🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way[tl]1.We instantly agreed on a settlement with our Atlantic partners.2.Are you mentally prepared to give up your capital?3.It would be fatal to totally dismantle the Army!4.Little by little we approached Atlanta in our old shuttle.5.I have recently raised enough capital to start digital publishing.6.Little Englanders make me mental.[dl]1.The badly written report on the Middle East was, sadly, a waste of everyone’s time.2.Needless to say, it would be mindless to be idle in the middle of project hurdles.3.Despite the fact that we were badly prepared we managed to muddle through.– 129 –42. Lesson 34: Lateral plosions [tl] as in “little”, [dl] as in “candle”C18🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.N was once a little needle,NeedlyTweedlyThreedlyNeedlyWisky-wheedlyLittle needle!Two old chairs, and half a candle,One old jug without a handle,These were all my worldly goodsIn the middle of the woods.– 130 –43. Revision: Consonants [t], [d], [l], and [n]43.Revision: Consonants [t], [d], [l], and [n]🎧 Passage: Japanese Economy Tasks: Read outloudLiaise words together. Don’t make pauses between words that belong together, such as: articles, prepositions and a noun; verbs with adverbials;compound nouns.Remember to place the tip of the tongue on the alveolar ridge for the [t], [d], [l], and [n] sounds, which are highlighted.“Given the strong yen, can Japanese companies remain competitive? Things are not that simple. If you look at the leading export industries,like automobiles and electronic appliances, Japanese manufacturers in those industries are actually being attacked by Korean competitors.Korean manufacturers have stronger cost competitiveness and that situation will not change overnight. So, Japanese car and electronicappliances manufacturers are going to struggle in the future.Do we expect Japanese companies to move out of Japan? From the government perspective, it is worrisome, because that causes job lossesin Japan. As manufacturing industries are very much cost driven, they will have no choice but to offshore their manufacturing capabilitiesoutside of Japan.“Declining population is another problem Japan has been facing for a long time. What impact will that have on the economy? There are threemain factors that drive sustainable economic growth: number one – population number two - market deregulation to increase falling directinvestment in Japan number three – productivity improvement based on innovation. But if you miss one of the factors, like the populationfactor, then that is a serious problem.” (Anonymous)– 131 –44. Lesson 35: Fricative consonants unvoiced [f] as in “fish”, voiced [v] as in “very”44.Lesson 35: Fricative consonants unvoiced [f] as in “fish”, voiced [v] as in “very”Fricative consonants: The air passage is narrowed so that the breath, in escaping, produces audible friction or a kind of hissing sound.C19🎧 Speech organs position:The top teeth gently make contact with the bottom lip and the air squeezes past. This makes the [f] sound. Add voice for [v] sound.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.C20🎧 Words: the unvoiced [f] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [f] soundf, phHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [f]fees, fiscal, flagship, float, flustered, fingerprints, futures, fugitive, doubtful, offset, disqualify, aftermath, fallacyphenomenal, atmosphere, metaphor, philistine, phase, philadelphia– 132 –44. Lesson 35: Fricative consonants unvoiced [f] as in “fish”, voiced [v] as in “very”C21🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasefraud and felonyfinancial affairsfinal offerfear of failureChief Executive OfficerForeign Officefast foodforgive and forgetForex fiascofunnily enoughC22🎧 Sentences: the unvoiced [f] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Fine feathers make fine birds.” (Proverb)2.Frankly, we prefer to stay away from unlawful methods to avoid forfeiture.3.The foreclosure was facilitated by a financial firm in Mayfair.4.The defendant’s proof was fiercely refuted by the accuser.5.Fred faced difficulties in defending his fake arguments.6.Mr Fenwick, a former financier, now a frontbench figure, failed to ghotocopy the first page of the fiscal policy document.7.If I want to free myself from all frustrations, I will focus on helping others and find my fortune in ghilanthropy.– 133 –44. Lesson 35: Fricative consonants unvoiced [f] as in “fish”, voiced [v] as in “very”C23🎧 Verses: the unvoiced [f] soundRead outloud liaising words in each line.There was an old farmer of France,Who hated faking a dance,So he sat on a chair,With his feet in the air,That famous old farmer of France.– 134 –44. Lesson 35: Fricative consonants unvoiced [f] as in “fish”, voiced [v] as in “very”C24🎧 Words: the voiced [v] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.investigation, vacancy, venue, revision, verify, video, violation, verdict, voucher, approval, consecutive, university, drivel, captives, deprived,dissolved, environment, vote, vesting, evidence, invent, invalidate, executivesC25🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraseoverseas investorsvice versaviable venturesvictimless activityvirtual victoryadvance approvalpassive-aggressiveto provide covervaluable advicevalid valuationvalue for investorsvibrancy and vividnessprivate advisorvaluable variances– 135 –44. Lesson 35: Fricative consonants unvoiced [f] as in “fish”, voiced [v] as in “very”C26🎧 Comparison: unvoiced [f] and voiced [v] and plosive [b] and fricative voiced [v]Listen carefully and repeat the sentences, noting the pronunciation of the strong and weak forms of the word.[f][v]Fanvanfloatvotefarewellvariablesurfaceservicerefusereviewprofitprovidesafesave[b][v]banishvanishbutVATboatvotebiologyviabilitybiasvicebusinessvictimbudgevulturebudgetvulture– 136 –44. Lesson 35: Fricative consonants unvoiced [f] as in “fish”, voiced [v] as in “very”C27🎧 Sentences: the voiced [v] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.Ill-conceived incentive schemes proved counterproductive.2.The investigation of VAT fraud was prevented by the governor.3.From the venture capitalists’ point of view, the company’s valuation was massively overpriced.4.Volatilities in share price make investors vulnerable and require vigilance.5.Victor is available to fill the void for Vera who will be on her maternity leave in five months.6.“Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.” (Jonathan Swift)C28🎧 Verses: the [v] soundRead outloud liaising words in each line.Vases and knivesVessels and hivesSet him a driving and see how he drives!– 137 –45. Lesson 36: Unvoiced consonant [θ] as in “think”45.Lesson 36: Unvoiced consonant [θ] as in “think”C29🎧 Speech organs position:The tip of the tongue comes between the top and bottom lip and the air squeezes past. This makes [θ] sound.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.C30🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.ththreshold, thrifty, pathological, depth, Monmouth, thriller, southwest, wrath, bathos, thermal, thaw, theft, thesaurus, pathetic, atheist,athletics, Ethiopia, ethnic, length, thwart, youth, growth, third, sympathetic– 138 –45. Lesson 36: Unvoiced consonant [θ] as in “think”C31🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraseworth nothingbreakthrough thinkingthrough thick and thinthrow thingshypothetical wealthpathetic threatthorough methodologythread of thoughtthree-dimensional theorythings to think aboutC32🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.Thoroughness, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm make things thrive.2.It would be unethical to have brothels throughout Heathrow.3.Theo’s shares are worth something like thirty-three million now!4.After lengthy, in-depth talks we are thrilled to announce the release of Ethiopian captives on Thursday.5.I think the most thrilling breakthrough in incentive theory came in the Nineties.6.In theory, it takes thirty minutes, but in practice, three hours.7.Think it through: if you do the thing you fear then the death of fear is certain.– 139 –45. Lesson 36: Unvoiced consonant [θ] as in “think”C33🎧 Tongue-twister and a verseRead outloud liaising words in each line.Thelma Thistle threw thirty three thorny thistles.How many thorny thistles did Thelma Thistle throw?Theo was once a little thrush,ThrushyHushyBushyThrushyFlitty-flushyLittle thrush!– 140 –46. Lesson 37: Voiced consonant [ð] as in “that”46.Lesson 37: Voiced consonant [ð] as in “that”C34🎧 Speech organs position:The tip of the tongue comes between the top lip and bottom lip and the air squeezes past. Add voice for [ð] sound.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.C35🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.thereby, neither, withdrawal, gathering, blithely, another, thus, clothing, wither, withstand, within, withhold, otherwise, writhed, brotherhood, seethe, withheld, tithe– 141 –46. Lesson 37: Voiced consonant [ð] as in “that”C36🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasewith the othersgathered togetherother than thatwith or without youthere, therewithdraw or withstandrather thanat the end of the daythis is the thingsmooth leatherC37🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Birds of a feather flock together.” (Proverb)2.“The pen is mightier than the sword.” (Proverb)3.By the end of the summit the delegates from the Netherlands were seething with rage and were at the end of their tether.4.It goes without saying that the sums awarded to the bosses of the country’s worst-run banks in the UK were outrages.5.Furthermore, the company in question withheld tax from their employees and got away with it.6.Rather than reducing the number of jobs in the UK and other countries, they made plans to increase them.7.“The hand that gives is above the hand that takes.” (Napoleon)– 142 –46. Lesson 37: Voiced consonant [ð] as in “that”C38🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.I wonder whetherThey’ll live togetherIn marriage tetherIn manner true?(W.S.Gilbert)From this to that she hops aboutThen back to this as if in doubt.– 143 –47. Lesson 38: Unvoiced [s] as in “sip”, voiced [z] as in “zoo”47.Lesson 38: Unvoiced [s] as in “sip”, voiced [z] as in “zoo”C39🎧 Speech organs position:The air travels along a narrow passage in the centre of the tongue and squeezes between the tip of the tongue and the alveolar ridge. This makes[s] sound. Add voice for [z] sound.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.C40🎧 Words: the unvoiced [s] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [s] sounds, x[ks], cHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [s]satisfaction, safety, consecutive, suspect, subsidiary, syndicate, system, massacre, reminiscent, sustainextract, external, extremeprocedure, solicitor, notice, offence, evidence– 144 –47. Lesson 38: Unvoiced [s] as in “sip”, voiced [z] as in “zoo”C41🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraseasking pricestock exchangeoverseas assetssecurity forcessocial responsibilityincentive schemecost savingssort of stuckself-serving statementspace stationrisk assessmentsignificant investmentspricing strategysales forcestatement of accountsstruggle with supply– 145 –47. Lesson 38: Unvoiced [s] as in “sip”, voiced [z] as in “zoo”C42🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Least said, soonest mended.” (Proverb)2.Some argue that in the EU crisis, Greece might be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.3.The slow pace of progress in science has triggered criticism by industry experts.4.When setting the price, first let’s decide on our sales strategy.5.Several finance ministers expressed confidence that the worst of the fiscal crisis was over.6.“Obstacles cannot crush me; every obstacle yields to stern resolve.” (Leonardo da Vinci)7.“A person who walks in another’s tracks leaves no footprints.” (Anonymous)C43🎧 Verses: the unvoiced [s] soundRead outloud liaising words in each line.Steven sees the fleece,Steven sees the fleas.At least Steven could sneezeand feed and freeze the fleas.– 146 –47. Lesson 38: Unvoiced [s] as in “sip”, voiced [z] as in “zoo”C44🎧 Words: the voiced [z] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [z] soundz, x, sHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [z]zones, Zambia, Zaire, zeitgeist, Zionism, zip, Zulu, citizens, emblazonxenophobia, xenonpresident, appease, rise, observe, lose, despise, summarise, surmisse, resolveC45🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraseembezzlement chargessqueezed fundsthese daysused and abusedas it ispros and consbusiness executivesbizarre circumstancesto cause a hazardas a resultunions’ accusationsbibs and bobs– 147 –47. Lesson 38: Unvoiced [s] as in “sip”, voiced [z] as in “zoo”C46🎧 Comparison: [s] and [z][s][z]let’slenderscostsbillsfitsneedsfussfuzzlooseloseplaceplaysbossbazookaC47🎧 Sentences: the voiced [z] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Beggars can’t be choosers.” (Proverb)2.After analysing sales figures we realised greater profit margins.3.Organize, prioritize and use e-mails wisely to economise on time!4.I advise you to set up goals, deadlines and outcomes before meetings to make them efficient.5.Financial intermediaries provide services in moving funds from those that are in surplus to those in deficit.6.German manufacturers assist Chinese authorities in launching raids on companies suspected of producing fakes.7.Always keep your eyes on the prize!– 148 –47. Lesson 38: Unvoiced [s] as in “sip”, voiced [z] as in “zoo”C48🎧 Verses: the voiced [z] soundRead outloud liaising words in each line.I’ve scissors, and watches, and knivesI’ve ribbons and laces to set off the facesOf pretty young sweethearts and wives.(W.S. Gilbert)– 149 –48. Lesson 39: Unvoiced [ʃ] as in “shall”, voiced [ʒ] as in “measure”48.Lesson 39: Unvoiced [ʃ] as in “shall”, voiced [ʒ] as in “measure”C49🎧 Speech organs position:The tongue tip is near the bottom of the mouth and the air escapes along a passage in the centre of the tongue with lips slightly rounded. Thismakes [ʃ] sound. Add voice for [ʒ] sound.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.C50🎧 Words: the unvoiced [∫] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [∫] soundsh, ch, t, c, s, before io, iaHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [∫]shop, show, unleash, shape, machines, ownership, shambles, offshore, Shanghai, shalesuccession, conscious, pollution, inaugurationallegations, direction, regulation, appropriation– 150 –48. Lesson 39: Unvoiced [ʃ] as in “shall”, voiced [ʒ] as in “measure”C51🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasecash shelladditional restrictionsshares speculationshopkeeper’s ambitionshipping operationsinflation expectationcash transactioninitial frustrationshameful situationfinancial integrationinnovation in productionshares acquisitionrecognition and realisationofficial sanctionsC52🎧 Sentences: the unvoiced [∫] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Share and share alike.” (Proverb)2.A sharp drop in the share price came as a nasty shock!3.The United Nations commissioners resolved the situation by imposing additional sanctions.4.Financial institutions are under massive pressure as a result of the recession.5.Pensioners lose out when investing cash in their pensions due to high inflation.6.Due to the shrinking of banks, there is a new transformation: professional services and insurance firms set up operations in the City.– 151 –48. Lesson 39: Unvoiced [ʃ] as in “shall”, voiced [ʒ] as in “measure”C53🎧 Verse: the unvoiced [∫] soundRead outloud liaising words in each line.And perhaps I’d better mention,That it’s not our intention,To prevent an interventionIn the case beforehand mentioned.C54🎧 Words: the voiced [ʒ] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [ʒ] sounds before ur, s before io, ia, gHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [ʒ] exposure, closure, Treasury, Indonesian division, persuasion, envision, decision, conclusion, visualise,amnesia sabotage, entourage, mirage– 152 –48. Lesson 39: Unvoiced [ʃ] as in “shall”, voiced [ʒ] as in “measure”C55🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasea regime seizure Asian invasion visionary subversion diversion from a genre espionage disclosure camouflaged gendarmesC56🎧 Comparison: [ʃ] and [ʒ]Listen carefully and repeat the sentences, noting the pronunciation of the strong and weak forms of the word.[ʃ][ʒ]SanctionsoccasionsInvestigationdelusionDimensiondiversionDiminishprestigeProductionallusionConsolidationrevisionMissionvision– 153 –48. Lesson 39: Unvoiced [ʃ] as in “shall”, voiced [ʒ] as in “measure”C57🎧 Sentences: the voiced [ʒ] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.Apparently, Giselle is a protégé of the Head of the Treasury.2.Austerity measures proved disillusioning and led to a budgetary revision.3.Our decision to expand to Indonesia is based on the conclusion that it will provide exposure to Asian markets.4.The closure of this division led to full revision of our initial vision.5.Giselle strives for precision in her dressage supervision.6.Arbitrageur Jacques, who lives in a prestigious district, made his fortune from arbitrage in Asia.7.I visualise Jean-Jacques Rousseau as a man of strong persuasion and vision.C58🎧 Verses: the voiced [ʒ] soundRead outloud liaising words in each line.A sweet profusionOf soft allusionThis bold intrusionShall justify.(W.S. Gilbert)– 154 –49. Lesson 40: Unvoiced consonant [h] as in “hat”49.Lesson 40: Unvoiced consonant [h] as in “hat”C59🎧 Speech organs position:The space between the vocal chords is narrowed as air squeezes past to make [h] sound.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.C60🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.happrehensive, hacking, hostile, hedge, harassment, hint, holding, hospital, harvest, hiring, hypothetical, housing, hearing, horrendous,Harvard, hyperlink, hypocrisy, hysteria, hesitate, headway, perhaps, headline– 155 –49. Lesson 40: Unvoiced consonant [h] as in “hat”C61🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasehand in handHigh Court hearingahead of historyhorrific humiliationhold your horseshappy holidayshumble and humanhigh hopeshabitual behaviourhighly hierarchicalC62🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” (Proverb)2.Mr. Hubert, how much of the inheritance tax had you withheld?3.Lack of cash is our Achilles heel in this hostile bid.4.Shareholders were happy to see the company’s adherence to the highest industry standards.5.Hand in hand we went ahead on a bargain hunt in Harrods.6.Hip, hip, hurray! Hip, hip, hurray! Hip, hip, hurray, hurray, hurray!– 156 –49. Lesson 40: Unvoiced consonant [h] as in “hat”C63🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.There was an old person whose habits,Induced him to hunt for huge rabbits;When he’d caught just a hundred,He felt quite abundant,Upon which he relinquished those habits.– 157 –50. Lesson 41: The [r] sound as in “river”50.Lesson 41: The [r] sound as in “river”C64🎧 Speech organs position:The tip of the tongue curls back slightly in the roof of the mouth, just behind the alveolar ridge, and the breath squeezes past. This makes the[r] sound.Check your speech organs’ position in the mirror.– 158 –50. Lesson 41: The [r] sound as in “river”C65🎧 WordsRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.rrate, restructuring, recovery, reserve, derivatives, responsible, rally, ramifications, receivables, paradigmprpresident, approval, press, represent, privatise, pragmatic, price, precedentsprspreadsheet, spruce, spreecrcriminal, creative, critical, crowngrgrade, gross, growth, graduation, greedbrbrowser, broadcast, brand, broadbandfrfraction, franchise, freelance, fraudulent, frustrationthrthreat, thrive, throwaway, threshold, Heathrowrrborrowings, irresistible, irrelevant– 159 –50. Lesson 41: The [r] sound as in “river”C66🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.risk and rewardcriminal recordCrown prosecutorempirical realityoverriding strategycredit ratingbrain drainabstract realmfront-runnerregional reformsC67🎧 SentencesListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“The greatest risk in life is to risk nothing.” (Anonymous)2.Recently released annual results showed greater pre-tax profit.3.The right products, reasonable prices, promotion and distribution are critical in creating a thriving trade.4.The Federal Reserve and the European central bankers were traditionally seen as reserved.5.Since the credit crunch crisis bankers have in some respects compromised their credibility and revealed the limitations of their independencefrom politics.6.To generate a strong public relations campaign we approached Richard Rogers for collaboration.– 160 –50. Lesson 41: The [r] sound as in “river”C68🎧 Tongue-twisterRead outloud liaising words in each line.There once was a writer who was called Rob Wright,Old Rob taught his son to write Wright right:“It isn’t quite right to write Wright ‘Rite’,You must please try to write Wright right!”– 161 –51. Lesson 42: Affricates unvoiced [tʃ] as in “church”, voiced [dʒ] as in “judge”51.Lesson 42: Affricates unvoiced [tʃ] as in “church”, voiced [dʒ] as in “judge”Affricate consonants: The first part is a plosive consonant followed immediately by the second part, a fricative consonant.C69🎧 Speech organs position:Make the [t] “two” sound at the same time as making the [ʃ] “shall” sound. This makes the [t∫] “church” sound.Make the [d] “dog” sound at the same time as making the [ʒ] “measure” sound. This makes the [dʒ] “gin” sound.C70🎧 Words: the unvoiced[t∫] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [tʃ] soundch, tch, t before u, iHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [tʃ]chief, cheque, charity, charges, breech, rich, march, chore, purchase, exchange, chance, watchdog, stretch, batch, hatchfeature, vulture, statutory, expenditure, question, infrastructure, Christian, misfortune– 162 –51. Lesson 42: Affricates unvoiced [tʃ] as in “church”, voiced [dʒ] as in “judge”C71🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phraseDutch culturecheap and cheerfulfar-fetched suggestionChancery chambersstructural changechop chop!C72🎧 Sentences: the unvoiced [t∫] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way1.“You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.” (Proverb)2.Eventually, after a long and challenging search, we reached mutual agreement.3.Churchill respected the Chancellor, but often challenged him.4.There is nothing to choose from in this cheap but not cheerful shop.5.Chinese manufacturers purchased their German arch-rival to use their technology and become a world leader in their chosen field.6.“Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.” (Proverb)– 163 –51. Lesson 42: Affricates unvoiced [tʃ] as in “church”, voiced [dʒ] as in “judge”C73🎧 Verses: the unvoiced [t∫] soundRead outloud liaising words in each line.Paw of cat the chestnut snatches;Worn-out garments show the patches;Only count the chick that hatches;Men are grown up catchy-catchies.(W.S. Gilbert)How much chalk would a teacher chuck,If a teacher could chuck chalk?C74🎧 Words: the voiced [dʒ] soundRead outloud. Look at the mouth diagram to help you position your lips, tongue and jaw for the target sound.Spelling variations for the [dʒ] soundj, g, dgHighlighted bold letters pronounced as [dʒ]injunction, Jamaica, jeopardize, jet, joint, journalism, juggle, justification, jurisdictionrigid, exaggerate, besieged, imagination, oblige, emergent, indulgent, large, digital, geopoliticsdodge, budget, hedge– 164 –51. Lesson 42: Affricates unvoiced [tʃ] as in “church”, voiced [dʒ] as in “judge”C75🎧 PhrasesRead outloud the following phrases liasing words in each phrasestrange revenge gigantic knowledge rigid injunction forged budget suggested divergence to change the jury judicial damage regional strategytechnological edge ill-judged jailerC76🎧 Comparison: [tʃ] and [dʒ]Listen carefully and repeat the sentences, noting the pronunciation of the strong and weak forms of the word.[tʃ][dʒ]pitchurgemerchantmergefetchforgewatchsavagesearchsurgetouchplungebreechbegrudgetreacheryenergybeseechedbesieged– 165 –51. Lesson 42: Affricates unvoiced [tʃ] as in “church”, voiced [dʒ] as in “judge”C77🎧 Sentences: the voiced [dʒ] soundListen and repeat. Read each sentence aloud slowly at first, then as if you were telling it to someone in a natural way+ Change takes a lot of courage.1.Change takes a lot of courage.2.Mortgage lenders are obliged to prevent negligence and forgery in issuing mortgages.3.Just as in the case of Japan at an earlier stage, Chinese strategy is to switch bonds into tangible assets.4.A lot of challenges in the oil industry are about managing geopolitics and the opportunities are about technology.5.Hedge fund managers have an advantage in driving returns by leverage.6.I rejected my new job offer on the grounds of being unjustly marginalised.C78🎧 VersesRead outloud liaising words in each line.Gentlemen, if your time you’ll not begrudge,I’ll joyfully tell you how I came to be a Judge.Yes, you might think my law is fudge,In the final analysis I am the Judge.– 166 –52. Revision: Voiced Consonants [b], [d], [g], [z], [v], [ð], [ʒ] and [dʒ]52.Revision: Voiced Consonants [b], [d], [g], [z], [v], [ð], [ʒ] and [dʒ]C79🎧 Passage: Emerging marketsTasks: Read outloudLiaise words together. Don’t make pauses between words that belong together, such as: articles, prepositions and a noun; verbs with adverbials;compound nouns.Listen and copy the intonation and voice modulation on the CD, noting voiced and unvoiced consonants. Use voice to produce voiced consonants [b],[v], [z], [d], [g], [ð] and [ʒ], which are highlighted.“Clearly, there is a lot of investor interest in putting their money in emerging markets at the moment. Conservative macro-economists areputting ninety percent of their portfolio into emerging markets, because of concern about Europe and the US, which have still very significantrisks.“Emerging markets are, as you know, on purchasing power parity, the bulk of economic activity on the planet, the bulk of growth goingforward, clearly, and therefore the bulk of income, and the income stream in the future is what investors should be really focusing on.“What’s stopping people from putting their money to work in these fantastic places? The short answer is prejudices. People don’t like theidea of changing their view about something they’ve held for many years. They think that emerging markets are still riskier than developedmarkets and they will die thinking that. The wonderful thing about a prejudice, though, is that once you get rid of it it’s gone forever.“The financial crisis since Lehman in the developed world heavily indebted developed countries. That crisis has, I think, speeded up theprocess of changing people’s perception about the reality.” (Anonymous)– 167 –53. Lesson 43: Contractions53.Lesson 43: ContractionsIn good fluent speech the particle “not”, verbs “to be” (“am, is, are”), “to have” (“has, had”), “will” and “would” are shortened. The shortenedversion of a word is called a contraction.It’s important to use contractions if you would like to sound fluent, natural and more like a native speaker of English.Contractions are not usually used in written English except in dialogues and in informal writing.C80🎧 Contractions of modal verbsListen carefully and repeat the sentences, noting the pronunciation of the contracted verb “have”.Full form - Contraction - Pronunciationcould have - could’ve - [ˈkʊdəv]might have - might’ve - [ˈmaɪtəv]should have - should’ve - [ˈʃʊdəv]must have - must’ve - [ˈmʌstəv]may have - may’ve - [ˈmeɪəv]Full form - ContractionCould you have done it? - I could’ve done it if I knew how.Might you have read it? - I might’ve read it if I was interested.Have they arrived yet? - They should’ve done so by now.Have you discussed it with any one? - I may’ve discussed it in the club.– 168 –53. Lesson 43: ContractionsC81🎧 Contractions of the verb “has”Listen carefully and repeat the sentences, noting the pronunciation of the contracted verb “has”Full form “has” becomes a contraction, “s”Full form “has “ - Contraction “s”He has moved away. - He’s moved away in order to be close to his office.She has always worked hard. - She’s always worked hard to become successful.It has been a difficult time. - It’s been a difficult time but the future’s looking bright.He has been doing it. - He’s been doing it for a long time.C82🎧 Contractions of the verb “had”Listen carefully and repeat the sentences, noting the pronunciation of the contracted verb “had”.Full form “had “ - Contraction “d”I had always wanted it. - I’d always wanted to become an accountant.You had already told me. - You’d already told me that the meeting was next week.She had promised to deliver the contract. - She’d promised to deliver the contract; but, as it happened, she didn’t.I had sent my tax return. - I’d sent my tax return before I checked all the figures.– 169 –53. Lesson 43: ContractionsC83🎧 Verb “to be”Full form - Contractions - PronunciationI am - I’m - [aɪm]it is - it’s - [ɪts]what is - what’s - [wɒts]we are - we’re - [wiːə]they are - they’re - [ðeɪə]C84🎧 Full form, “I am”, becomes a contraction, “I’m”Listen carefully and repeat the sentences, noting the pronunciation of the contracted verb.1.I’m done here; I’m finally leaving.2.I’m sorry I’m such a mess.3.I’m feeling very uncomfortable about it.4.I’m on the horns of a dilemma.Full form of the verb “is” becomes a contraction, “s”1.What’s wrong with you?2.For what it’s worth, I am very sorry.3.That’s the least of our worries.4.It’s possible she may’ve misunderstood us.Full form of the verb “are” becomes a “contraction, “re” [ə]1.They’re going away.2.You’re right about it.3.We’re about to leave.– 170 –53. Lesson 43: ContractionsC85🎧 Contractions of the verb “will” becomes a contraction ”ll”Listen carefully and repeat the sentences, noting the pronunciation of the contracted verb.1.You’ll need to find a better way to deal with your boss.2.I’ll sum it up for you.3.I’ll keep my mouth shut, not that it’ll keep me from losing my job.4.You’ll never guess what’s just happened.C86🎧 The verb “would” becomes a contraction “d”Listen carefully and repeat the sentences, noting the pronunciation of the contracted verb.1.I’d like to weigh in here.2.We’d like to end this meeting now.3.If you’d excuse me, I’d rather not discuss it.4.I’d like to point out that I’m running late.– 171 –53. Lesson 43: ContractionsC87🎧 Contraction of negative verbsListen carefully and repeat the sentences, noting the pronunciation of the contracted verb.Written form - Contractions - Pronunciationdo not - don’t - [dəʊnt]does not - doesn’t - [dʌznt]is not - isn’t - [ɪznt]would not - wouldn’t - [wʊdnt]can not - can’t - [kɑːnt]must not - mustn’t - [mʌsnt]will not - won’t - [wəʊnt]1.Please, don’t take it the wrong way!2.You don’t give your secretary enough credit.3.It doesn’t work that way.4.It doesn’t matter anymore.– 172 –54. Silent letters54.Silent lettersC88🎧 Words for silent “t”Listen and repeat, noting that highlighted “t” is not pronounced.whistle, wrestle, castle, thistle, often, soften, mortgage, gourmet, buffet, rapportC89🎧 Words for silent “h”Listen and repeat, noting that highlighted “h” is not pronounced.overwhelm, vehemently, whimsical, hour, exhibition, honourable, heir, Balham, Nottingham, Birmingham, honesty, vehicle, whiteC90🎧 Words for silent “w”Listen and repeat, noting that highlighted “w” is not pronounced.whom, answer, swordfish, wholesale, whoseC91🎧 Words for silent “l”Listen and repeat, noting that highlighted “l” is not pronounced.calm, salmon, psalm, talk, half, could, should, would, walk, chalk, stalk, catwalk– 173 –54. Silent lettersC92🎧 Words for silent “p” and “b”Listen and repeat, noting that highlighted “p” and “b” are not pronounced.p - psychology, receipt, psalm, pseudo-science, psychoticb - bomb, tomb, thumb, dumb, doubt, doubtful, debt, doubtlessC93🎧 Words for silent “o, i, a, e”Listen and repeat, noting that highlighted vowels are not pronounced.o - victory, Catholic, chocolatei - business, ordinary, familya - extraordinary, technicallye - average, every, evening, coverage, camera, generally, leverage, liberal, preference, temperature, interesting, several, opera, effectively– 174 –55. Learning tips55.Learning tips1.Avoid speaking in your native languageDuring this course you will learn, with regular practice, to position your speech organs and retrain the muscles of your mouth for accuratepronunciation of English sounds. If you speak in your native language you will not train your speech organs for English.2.Get rid of AmericanismsDuring our workshops we learned that many of our students pronounced words like “dance, class, example, last” with an [æ], the American way,instead of [ɑː] sound, the English way.Also, they added the sound [r] where it’s not needed. In words like “car, horse, bird, deer, poor, dare” we have the letter “r” in spelling. In AmericanEnglish [r] is pronounced in all these words, but in British English it is omitted.To get rid of the Americanisms, we recommend that you study long vowels and diphthongs:•[ɑː], Lesson 1,•[ɔː], Lesson 3,•[ɜ:], Lesson 5,•[ɪə], Lesson 19,•[ʊə], Lesson 21,•[eə], Lesson 22.– 175 –55. Learning tips3.Lean on long vowels and diphthongs, do not shorten themLong vowels don’t exist in many languages. Very often students of English shorten longEnglish vowels, which can be confusing and the meaningof the word can change: for example, “dark”, long [ɑː], vs. “duck”, short [ʌ ].4.Avoid substituting unvoiced consonants for their voiced partnersMany students tend to do this with endings. In some languages, like German, it’s normal speech. In English, when a word ends with a voicedconsonant, the vocal energy should be maintained to the end of the word to ensure the consonant is fully voiced.Substituting unvoiced consonants for their voiced partners can change the meaning of a word: for example, “sat” and “sad”.– 176 –