Fun Easy English - American English Pronunciation lesson 16.

Learning objectives

Pronounce the sound in the words hair, wear, stare, there
Learn how to spell this sound
Learn the proper mouth position when making this sound
Learn the sound type
Pronunciation practice
Take the test

How to spell this sound

air	air, hair, chair, pair, upstairs, fair, despair
ear	bear, wear
are	dare, mare, stare, square, glare, software
ere	there
ayer	prayer

Note: the red letters all have the same sound

Mouth position

Your mouth should be slightly tense

Your lips should be unrounded

Your Tongue: the front part of your tongue should be in the lower part of your mouth
(see picture)

Sound Type

This is a VOICED sound which means:
- Your Vocal Cords DO vibrate when making the sound
- You CAN listen to your Vocal Cords vibrating if you cover your ears with your hands
- You CAN feel your Vocal Cords vibrating if you place your hands on your neck

Pronunciation practice

Look at your mouth in a mirror and practice pronouncing the following words. Make sure your mouth, lips, and tongue are in their proper positions.

hair	bear	mare	there
prayer	pair	wear	stare
fair	square	despair	glare

Note: the red letters all have the same sound

Test

Choose the correct letter or letters to complete each of the following words.

1. h_ _ _
2. b_ _ _
3. m_ _ _
4. th_ _ _
5. pr_ _ _ _
6. p_ _ _
7. w_ _ _
8. st_ _ _
9. f_ _ _
10. squ_ _ _
Note: the letter or letters needed to complete each word all have the same sound.