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Fun Easy English Classroom September 8
 

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American English
pronunciation
lesson 32
American English Pronunciation Lesson 32

Today in the classroom you are going to learn to pronounce the sound z as in the words zoo, lazy, noise, please. Remember "practice makes perfect" if you want to improve your English speaking ability.
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Pronunciation: American English Lesson 32

Pronounce the sound z as in the words zoo, lazy, noise, please. Watch the following pronunciation videos and learn to pronounce this sound correctly.
 
Pronunciation Video
Fun Easy English Pronunciation Lessons
More Videos
Spelling
z zebra, zoo, zany, zap, zipper, zodiac, zero, zone, lazy
s poison, reason, rose, cause, noise, please, tease
 
Note: the red letters all have the same sound
 
Sound Type

This is a VOICED sound which means Your Vocal Cords DO vibrate when making this sound.
You CAN 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. Can you listen to your vocal cords vibrating?
VERY GOOD
You CAN 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. Can you 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 in the center part of your mouth.
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.
zebra zoo zap zipper
zero zone lazy reason
tease cause noise please
 
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.
  • Is this your sister's sixth zither, sir?
  • A noisy noise annoys an oyster.
From YOUR Teacher: Pronouncing Z

This sound is really easy to pronounce if you remember to keep your bottom and top front teeth together and make a sound like an insect.
 
 
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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