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Fun Easy English Classroom August 16
 

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American English
pronunciation
lesson 29
American English Pronunciation Lesson 29

Today in the classroom you are going to learn to pronounce the sound th as in the words think, thought, method, month. Remember "practice makes perfect" if you want to improve your English speaking ability.
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Pronunciation: American English Lesson 29

Pronounce the sound th as in the words think, thought, method, month. Watch the following pronunciation videos and learn to pronounce this sound correctly.
 
Pronunciation Video
Fun Easy English Pronunciation Lessons
More Videos
Spelling
th thirsty, think, thumb, thought, thatch, three, thousand, thick, thin, healthy, author, method, worthless, arithmetic, earth, bath, month, mouth, tooth
 
Note: the red letters all have the same sound
 
Sound Type

This is an UNVOICED sound which means Your Vocal Cords DO NOT vibrate when making the sound.
You CANNOT LISTEN to your Vocal Cords vibrating if you cover your ears with your hands.

Try covering your ears with your hands as Akiko is doing in the picture.

Now make the sound of this lesson. You cannot listen to your vocal cords vibrating.
VERY GOOD
You CANNOT FEEL your Vocal Cords vibrating if you place your hands on your neck.

Try placing your hands on your neck as Akiko is doing in the picture.

Now make the sound of this lesson. You cannot feel your vocal cords vibrating.
VERY GOOD
The following diagram shows the most important parts of your head and mouth used for pronouncing the sounds of English. It also shows the location of your Vocal Cords.
 
Mouth, lips, and tongue position

The following descriptions explain the proper mouth, lips, and tongue position when you make this sound.
Mouth

Your mouth releases air continuously.
Lips

Your lips should be slightly separated.
Tongue

The front part of your tongue should be between your upper teeth and your lower teeth.
Practice video

Listen to the video and practice repeating each word.
 
 
Pronunciation practice words

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.
think thumb thought thousand
thick thin author method
arithmetic month mouth tooth
 
Note: the red letters all have the same sound (watch the video above)
 
Pronunciation word test

Try saying the following tongue twisters as quickly as possible.
  • Six thick thistle sticks. Six thick thistles stick.
  • Three free throws.
  • I thought a thought. But the thought I thought wasn't the thought I thought I thought.
  • They both, though, have thirty-three thick thimbles to thaw.
  • The Leith police dismisseth us.
  • The seething seas ceaseth and twiceth the seething seas sufficeth us.
From YOUR Teacher: Pronouncing TH

This sound is particularly difficult for students coming from Japan or other countries where showing your tongue is considered bad manner. To pronounce this sound correctly though you need to allow your tongue to stick out of your mouth and rest between your upper and lower front teeth at the beginning of the sound.
 
Additional Lessons
About These Lessons

The following classroom lessons are great for students who want additional listening and reading practice.
  • Travel America - Beginner Level. Do you love America and American English? Learn before you travel. Facts and other cool stuff about your favorite U.S. state. Great English reading practice.
Travel America - Wisconsin
(Beginner - Reading)

Learn some interesting facts and read interesting stories about Wisconsin.
Wisconsin

In 1634, Frenchman Jean Nicolet became Wisconsin's first European explorer. The French controlled the area until 1763, when it was ceded to the British. The state's name is an English version of a French adaptation of an Indian name said to mean "the place where we live." The Wisconsin Territory was formed in 1836 and was admitted into the Union as the 30th state in 1848. With the nickname "America's Dairyland," it's no surprise that Wisconsin is one of the top producers of milk, cheese, and butter in the country. In fact, the loyal fans of the Green Bay Packers football team call themselves "cheeseheads." Milwaukee, the state's largest city, helps make Wisconsin one of the largest manufacturing states in the nation. The state capital, Madison, is home to the University of Wisconsin. The flower of the "Badger State" is the wood violet and the state bird is the robin.
Flag of WisconsinWisconsin State Flag


The Wisconsin state flag features the state coat of arms on both sides against a field of blue, with the the state name; "WISCONSIN" above and "1848" below (the year Wisconsin was admitted to the Union). The coat of arms, which includes the state motto, is also used on Wisconsin's state seal.
Source: State Symbols USA
 
The great seal of the state of WisconsinWisconsin State Facts

Picture: state seal of Wisconsin
State Capital Madison
Nickname Badger State / America's Dairyland
Motto Forward
Statehood May 29, 1848 (30th)
Origin of Name Based on an Indian word "Ouisconsin" believed to mean "grassy place" in the Chippewa tongue
Largest Cities Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine
Border States Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota
Area 54,314 sq.mi., 25th largest
State Bird Robin
State Flower Wood Violet (viola papilionacea)
State Tree Sugar Maple (acer saccharum)
State Song On Wisconsin
Map showing the location of WisconsinTravel and tourism site for Wisconsin - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.
Wisconsin Stories
 
Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture

Have you ever wanted to fly a plane?

If you want to learn about flying a plane, how to make one, or if you just enjoy being around airplanes, come to the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. You'll be able to see daredevils like the man on the airplane. A group of people interested in building their own airplanes started the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in 1953 and organized an air show. Over the years, the organization expanded its mission to include antiques, helicopters and other types of planes.

At the AirVenture Show visitors can see planes up close -- an old plane like the Spirit of St. Louis (the first plane to fly with a solo pilot nonstop across the Atlantic), a Stealth fighter or maybe even the supersonic Concorde. If you want to learn about flying, check out the Young Eagles. The goal of the Young Eagles Pilot Program is to give 1 million people ages 8 to 17 a free introductory airplane ride. These rides are provided through the generosity of volunteer EAA pilots. If you'd like to be a pilot some day, you've found the right place!
 
The Wisconsin Dells

Have you ever heard of a dell?

The Wisconsin Dells are dramatic rock formations found along the Wisconsin River. They were shaped by strong currents of water from melting glaciers. About 500 million years ago, this area was a lot different than it looks today. It used to be covered by shallow seas. For about 80 million years the seas flowed back and forth over the land, leaving sand on the sea bottom. Over time, the sand kept building up until it rose above the seas. The huge sand formations that rose out of the water are the tall sandstone cliffs you see today in the Wisconsin Dells. These unique cliffs can be found in only three other areas in the world, Switzerland, Germany and parts of New York.

The Wisconsin Dells got their name from the French term "dalles." It means "slab-like rock." Some of the more distinctive rock formations are named for objects they resemble, such as Chimney Rock. During the 1800s, the Dells grew to be a popular tourist attraction in Wisconsin. Visitors still enjoy exploring the area's caves and arches.
 
Harley-Davidson: "Coming Home"

Have you ever seen someone ride a hog? No, not a pig, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle!

In 1903, this little one-room building was the birthplace of the world's most famous motorcycle company -- Harley-Davidson. On its 95th anniversary in 1998, more than 100,000 Harley-Davidson fans gathered in Milwaukee to celebrate. Many riders took part in five fund-raising rides, which left from Spokane, Washington; Riverside, California; Dallas, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and York, Pennsylvania. They left on June 3, 1998, and arrived in Milwaukee 10 days later. Along the way they held fundraising events for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Harley-Davidson is the premier American-based manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles. In 1903 the company built only three motorcycles, but 10 years later, it built more than 12,000 a year. In 1995, Harley-Davidson built 105,104 motorcycles. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are also called "hogs." One possible explanation for this dates back to the 1920s when the Harley-Davidson factory had a racing team that brought their mascot with them to every race. Their mascot was a pig. So whenever the Harley-Davidson team came to a race people would say, "Here comes the Harley team and their hogs."
 
The Circus Parade (Circus World Museum)

Isn't the circus wagon in the photo beautiful? It dates from 1935 and it is part of the Circus Parade in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Every year in July more than 100 clowns, 1,000 musicians, 700 horses and lots of animals, including elephants and camels, take part in a re-creation of a circus street parade from the beginning of the 20th century. Before the days of radio and television, "Circus Day" was a time to escape the normal routine and enjoy the entertainment provided by the traveling performers.

The historic circus wagons have elaborate woodcarvings, mirrored surfaces, and colorful wheels. These wagons are brought on the Great Circus Train from the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, which has a collection of more than 150 wagons. At one time Wisconsin was known as the "Mother of Circuses," and was the home or winter quarters for more than 100 traveling tent shows.

Today, the parade route starts near the shores of Lake Michigan. It winds its way through the streets of downtown Milwaukee. But a few changes must be made along the route. The open metal gratings on Milwaukee's bridges have to be covered so the animals won't be afraid to cross. And the oxen refuse to step on manhole covers. Don't ask why. No one knows.
Source: Library of Congress
National Forests of Wisconsin

The following is a description of national forests in the state of Wisconsin. There are no national parks or monuments in this state. If you plan to visit or live in Wisconsin for awhile then you should definitely plan to visit some of these fantastic places.
 
National Forests
Chequamegon-Nicolet

There are 2,020 lakes, 440 spring ponds, and 347,000 acres (140,000 ha) of wetlands in this National Forest. There are also 493 mi (793 km) of non-motorized trails, 292 mi (470 km) of motorized trails, and 9,000 mi (14,000 km) of roads alongside five wilderness areas.
Travel America
Travel America

Do you love America and American English? Learn before you travel. Facts and other cool stuff about your favorite U.S. state. Visit the Fun Easy English Travel America pages. Read about the beautiful National Forests, Parks, and Monuments. Great English reading practice.
Drive America

Planning to drive in America? Learn the rules and regulations. Great English reading practice.
 
Additional Information
Avoid Ineffective Study Methods

The complete lesson includes an audio program explaining this topic, the script for the audio program, a words in this story section, and other important information.
Click for the complete lesson
Audio Program

Listen to the audio program explaining this topic.
 
Improve Your Pronunciation by Training Your Ears

The complete lesson includes an audio program explaining this topic, the script for the audio program, a words in this story section, and other important information.
Click for the complete lesson
Audio Program

Listen to the audio program explaining this topic.
 
Improve Your Long-Term Memory by Spacing Practice

The lesson includes an audio program explaining this topic, the script for the audio program, a words in this story section, and other important information.
Click for the complete lesson
Audio Program

Listen to the audio program explaining this topic.
 
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