1 · Pronunciation
Hear it, see it, say it
IELTS tip. In the Speaking test, diphthongs fill many of the most common words: my, now, go, make, home, time and know. A clear glide makes these words easier to recognise. Practise a short answer that includes ten diphthong words, and record it to check that each one slides and stays in one syllable.
How to make it
- Start the vowel in the first position, with a clear, strong sound.
- Move your tongue and lips smoothly towards the second position while the sound continues.
- Make the second part short and light, and keep it all in one syllable.
- Say price, mouth and goat slowly, then at normal speed, and watch your mouth in a mirror.
face, price, choice, goat, mouth, near, square, go, say, now, boy, here