1 · Pronunciation
Hear it, see it, say it
IELTS tip. You will not use the IPA in the test itself, but it is a powerful tool for preparation. Use it to look up the pronunciation and stress of every new academic word you learn. Then say the word aloud before you use it in a Speaking answer.
How to make it
- For /θ/: touch the back of your top front teeth with the tip of your tongue and blow air out.
- For /ʃ/: round your lips and pull the tongue back a little, as in she.
- For /ŋ/: raise the back of your tongue to the soft palate and let the sound come through your nose.
- For /ə/: relax your mouth completely and make a very short 'uh'.
Say it after me
/θ/ and /ð/ (think, this)
/ʃ/ and /ʒ/ (she, measure)
/j/ (yes, not the letter j)
/tʃ/ (chair)
/ɪ/ (ship) and /iː/ (sheep)
/æ/ (cat) and /ʌ/ (cup)
/ɒ/ (hot) and /ɔː/ (door)
/ə/ (about) and /ɜː/ (bird)
think, ship, sing, about, idea, information, measure, bird