1 · Pronunciation
Hear it, see it, say it
IELTS tip. You do not need the chart in the test, but it helps you prepare. Use it to check the sounds in the words you find hard, and to see which two words you are making sound the same. Knowing the symbols also helps you read the pronunciation of new vocabulary from your reading.
How to make it
- For /θ/ and /ð/: touch the back of your top front teeth with the tip of your tongue (when you practise slowly, the tip can show a little between your teeth). Blow for /θ/ and add voice for /ð/.
- For /ʒ/: shape your mouth for /ʃ/, then add voice, as in the middle of measure.
- For /ŋ/: raise the back of your tongue to the soft palate and let the sound come through your nose, as in sing.
- Place your fingers on your throat to check which sounds have voice.
sheep, ship, think, this, measure, sing, chair, jam