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Homework series · speakers

Tongue twisters

By Will SalisburyUpdated

Tongue twisters are short phrases that repeat similar sounds, so they make your mouth practise one difficult contrast again and again. They help most when you choose a twister for the sound you need, start slowly and clearly, and speed up only while every sound stays accurate.

1 · Read the problems2 · One lesson a day3 · Review your mistakes4 · Go round again

1 · Pronunciation

Hear it, see it, say it

IELTS tip. Do not use tongue twisters in the test. Use them in practice to train a sound, then say a normal sentence with the same sound. Aim for clear sounds at a steady speed in your Part 2 answer: fast speech is not the goal.

How to make it

  1. For /s/: tongue tip near the ridge, lips spread, air hissing.
  2. For /ʃ/: pull the tongue back a little and round your lips, like asking someone to be quiet.
  3. For /r/: pull the tongue back and up, and keep the tip from touching the roof of your mouth.
  4. For /l/: touch the tongue tip to the ridge behind your top teeth and let the voice pass round it.

Sam's short shop sells six shiny shirts., Beth thanked three thin thieves., Larry's lorry rolled lazily along the long, rainy road., Bob's big brown bag banged on the bench., Vera's very wet vest was west of the window., Red lorry, yellow lorry.

Quick answers

Do tongue twisters improve pronunciation?

They give focused practice on one sound or contrast, so they help when you choose the right twister and keep the sounds accurate.

Should I say tongue twisters fast?

No. Start slowly. Speed is useful only if every sound stays clear.

Which tongue twister should I choose?

Choose one for the sound you find hardest, such as r and l, th or v and w, and learn the mouth steps for it first.

Are tongue twisters used in IELTS?

No. They are a training tool only. Use them to practise a sound and then say a normal sentence with the same sound.

Read the full lesson: Tongue twisters