1 · Pronunciation
Hear it, see it, say it
IELTS tip. In Speaking Part 2 you often tell a story in the past: 'I visited', 'we talked', 'she decided'. A clear ending shows the listener that the event is finished. Practise the past tense verbs you use most, such as visited, enjoyed, started and worked.
How to make it
- For /t/: put the tip of your tongue on the ridge behind your top teeth, then release a small puff of air. No voice.
- For /d/: use the same tongue position, but let your voice hum through it.
- For /ɪd/: add a short, relaxed /ɪ/ before the /d/, so the ending becomes a new syllable.
- Place your fingers on your throat: it should buzz for /d/ and stay still for /t/.
Say it after me
worked /wɜːkt/ (one syllable, ends /t/)
wanted /ˈwɒntɪd/ (two syllables, ends /ɪd/)
played /pleɪd/ (one syllable, ends /d/)
needed /ˈniːdɪd/ (two syllables, ends /ɪd/)
worked, played, wanted, stopped, lived, needed, watched, changed