Activities and Quizzes

1. Minimal Pair Practice
   • Focuses on sounds that are easily confused (e.g., /l/ vs /r/, /b/ vs /v/)
   • Helps train your ear and mouth to distinguish and produce U.S. English segmental sounds
   • Example: light vs right, bat vs vat
2. Shadowing Exercises
   • Use websites like https://www.ted.com/ or https://youglish.com/ to listen to native-like speech
   • Repeat what you hear, matching rhythm, stress, and intonation
   • Great for improving fluency and suprasegmental features like thought groups and intonation
3. Applied Improvisation Games
   • Practice stress-timed rhythm through role-play and spontaneous speaking
   • Helps you become more comfortable with natural speech patterns 

1. Segmental Sound Quiz
   • Identify and match U.S. English vowels, diphthongs, and consonants with their IPA symbols
   • Example question: What is the IPA symbol for the vowel in “seat”?
2. Suprasegmental Features Quiz
   • Learn about stress, rhythm, intonation, and linking
   • Example question: Which word is stressed in the sentence “She didn’t say he stole the money”?
3. Vocabulary & Pragmatics Quiz
   • Practice choosing the right word or tone for different contexts
   • Helps you understand how pronunciation changes depending on formality and situation 

• With a Peer: Practice minimal pairs or shadowing together and give each other feedback
• With a Tutor: Use quizzes and games during sessions to target your pronunciation goals
• With Technology: Use your smartphone or laptop to record yourself, play back, and compare with model speakers 

1. Minimal Pair Challenges
   • Practice sounds that are often confused based on your first language.
   • Example: /θ/ vs /s/ (e.g., think vs sink), /æ/ vs /ɛ/ (e.g., bat vs bet)
   • Try saying both words aloud, recording yourself, and comparing with a model speaker.
2. Shadowing with TED Talks or YouGlish
   • Choose a short TED Talk or search a word on https://youglish.com/.
   • Listen to a sentence, pause, and repeat it exactly—mimicking intonation, stress, and linking.
   • Great for improving fluency and natural rhythm.
3. Applied Improvisation Games
   • Practice spontaneous speaking with a partner using prompts like:
     • "You’re ordering food at a busy café.”
     • "You’re giving directions to a tourist.”
     • Focus on stress-timed rhythm and intonation while staying in character. 

Segmental Sound Quiz 

• Match IPA symbols to U.S. English sounds.
• Identify which word contains a specific vowel or consonant sound. 

Suprasegmental Features Quiz 

• Identify the stressed word in a sentence.
• Choose the correct intonation pattern for different emotions or sentence types. 

Pragmatics & Register Quiz 

• Choose the most appropriate pronunciation and tone for different contexts (e.g., formal vs informal). 

1. Shadowing with TED Talks or YouGlish
   • Choose a TED Talk or search a phrase on https://youglish.com/.
   • Listen to a sentence, pause, and repeat it—mimicking intonation, thought groups, and linking.
   • Focus on stress-timed rhythm and connected speech.
2. Applied Improvisation Games
   • Engage in spontaneous role-play scenarios:
     • "Pitching an idea in a team meeting”
     • "Explaining a complex concept to a non-expert”
     • These help you practice intonation, register, and pragmatic choices in real-time.
3. Minimal Pair Practice (Advanced)
   • Target subtle contrasts like:
     • /ʃ/ vs /ʒ/ (sheep vs genre)
     • /ɪ/ vs /i/ (live vs leave)
     • Record yourself and compare with proficient speakers using online tools. 

 Segmental Mastery Quiz 

• Identify nuanced vowel and consonant contrasts using IPA.
• Example: Which word contains the /ʊ/ sound? book, boot, bark 

Suprasegmental Fluency Quiz 

• Analyze sentence stress, intonation patterns, and thought group placement.
• Example: Which word is stressed in “I never said she stole the money”? 

Pragmatics & Register Quiz 

• Choose the most appropriate tone and pronunciation for different contexts.
• Example: How would you say “Could you help me?” in a formal vs casual setting? 

• Combines segmental and suprasegmental skills through creative projects.
• Includes:
  • Podcast-style recordings
  • Video presentations
  • Peer feedback sessions
• Focuses on intonation, stress-timed rhythm, and contextual pronunciation choices