1 · Pronunciation
Hear it, see it, say it
IELTS tip. In the Speaking test, a natural rhythm with strong and weak syllables makes your answers easier to follow. Practise the schwa in the words you use most, such as 'important', 'different', 'family', 'problem' and 'because'. Use weak forms of small words, such as 'a cup of tea' /ə ˈkʌp əv ˈtiː/.
How to make it
- Let your mouth go loose and a little open, with your lips relaxed and not rounded.
- Rest your tongue in the middle of your mouth, not high and not low.
- Say a very short voiced 'uh'. Keep it quiet.
- Compare with /ɜː/ in bird: the schwa is shorter, quieter and never stressed.
Say it after me
about /əˈbaʊt/
banana /bəˈnɑːnə/
teacher /ˈtiːtʃə/
sofa /ˈsəʊfə/
problem /ˈprɒbləm/
important /ɪmˈpɔːtənt/
about, banana, teacher, doctor, sofa, problem, family, important