This lesson will help you understand what good pronunciation is and why your test scores may be low because of it. It will also help you understand what we mean when we say someone has "bad pronunciation". Finally, it will show you that you can have great pronunciation.
Evaluate the Pronunciation sections of your past test scores. Why do you think the Evaluator scored you that way?
Discuss these questions with your teacher:
- What does "good pronunciation" mean and what is the benefit of it?
- Where do you think bad pronunciation comes from?
- How do you think you can fix bad pronunciation?
Understanding
Take a look at this map of accents in the UK alone:
What does this tell you about pronunciation in English?
This map from a non-native speaker shows how well they understand some of the major regional English accents:
What English accents do you find easiest to understand? Do you agree with this map?
Clarity
Take a look at the target and words below and follow your teacher's instructions:
- tough;
- through; &
- throughout.
- Now that you’ve learned that good pronunciation doesn’t come from sounding like a native speaker, pick an accent you want to have. That will be your “flavor”—you want to copy that accent.
- With your teacher, discuss how you want to sound. What are your goals? Your level of proficiency?
Homework
- Create a SMART goal for your pronunciation; &
- Read why your accent may be OK.
Your teacher in your next lesson will follow up on your homework. Remember, mastery means you cannot progress if you have not completed these tasks.