listening and speaking: Diphthongs /ei/, /ai/; /ɔɪ/, /əʊ/ - JSS3 English language Lesson Note
Listening and Speaking: Diphthongs /ei/, /ai/; /ɔɪ/, /əʊ/
Introduction to Diphthongs
Diphthongs are complex vowel sounds that begin with one vowel sound and glide into another within the same syllable. They are important in English pronunciation because they affect the meaning and intelligibility of words.
Diphthong /ei/
Description: The diphthong /ei/ starts with the vowel sound /e/ as in "bed" and glides to /i/ as in "machine".
Examples:
- **Say**: /sei/
- **Day**: /dei/
- **Play**: /plei/
- **Cake**: /keik/
- **Break**: /breik/
Practice Sentences:
1. Can you say it again?
2. It was a sunny day.
3. They will play football.
4. She baked a delicious cake.
5. Don't break the glass.
Diphthong /ai/
Description: The diphthong /ai/ begins with the vowel sound /a/ as in "father" and glides to /i/ as in "machine".
Examples:
- **My**: /mai/
- **Like**: /laik/
- **Time**: /taim/
- **Fly**: /flai/
- **Bright**: /brait/
Practice Sentences:
1. My brother likes pizza.
2. What time is it?
3. The birds fly high in the sky.
4. She has a bright smile.
5. They decided to hike up the mountain.
Diphthong /ɔɪ/
Description: The diphthong /ɔɪ/ starts with the vowel sound /ɔ/ as in "thought" and glides to /i/ as in "machine".
- **Examples**:
- **Boy**: /bɔɪ/
- **Coin**: /kɔɪn/
- **Toy**: /tɔɪ/
- **Join**: /dʒɔɪn/
- **Boil**: /bɔɪl/
Practice Sentences:
1. The boy has a new toy.
2. I need to join the club.
3. Did you find the coin?
4. Water will boil at 100 degrees Celsius.
5. The noise was too loud.
Diphthong /əʊ/
Description: The diphthong /əʊ/ begins with the vowel sound /ə/ as in "about" and glides to /ʊ/ as in "put".
Examples:
- **Go**: /ɡəʊ/
- **No**: /nəʊ/
- **Show**: /ʃəʊ/
- **Boat**: /bəʊt/
- **Home**: /həʊm/
Practice Sentences:
1. We will go to the park.
2. No, I don't want that.
3. Can you show me the way?
4. They bought a new boat.
5. She feels at home here.
Tips for Practising Diphthongs
1. Listen and Repeat: Listen to native speakers and repeat the diphthongs. Mimic their pronunciation to get the correct sound.
2. Use Minimal Pairs: Practice with minimal pairs, which are pairs of words that differ only in the diphthong sound. For example, "day" and "die".
3. Record Yourself: Record your pronunciation and compare it with native speakers.
4. Practice in Context: Use diphthongs in sentences and everyday conversations to become more comfortable with them.
5. Engage in Listening Exercises: Listen to songs, watch movies, and engage in conversations that use these diphthongs frequently.