Speech work: Contrast of Pure Vowel |p| |d| - JSS1 English Language Lesson Note

Short Vowel /o/ ("cot")

• How to Make the Sound: When saying "/o/", your tongue should be low in your mouth and pushed slightly back. Your lips should be rounded like you're about to make a kiss. Now, try saying "cot" while focusing on the mouth shape. Feel the vibration in your throat?

Unvoiced Consonant /p/ ("pet")

• How to Make the Sound: This time, instead of a long, smooth sound, we make a quick stop with our breath. Place your lips together firmly as if you're about to blow out a candle. Now, push air out quickly, creating a popping sound with your lips. That's the "/p/" sound! Say "pet" and feel the difference in how your lips move compared to "/o/".

The Sound /p/:

• This is a consonant sound, meaning there's a complete or partial closure in your mouth when you make the sound.
• Try saying "p" by placing your lips together and then quickly pushing air out to make a popping sound. Feel the puff of air on your hand in front of your mouth.

The Sound /o/:

• This is a vowel sound, meaning your mouth is open without any blockage when you make the sound.
• Say "oh" like you're surprised. Notice how your lips are rounded and your tongue is pushed slightly back into your mouth. 

  way to practice the difference between /p/ and /o/:

1. Pop vs. Oh: Take a deep breath and say "pop" forcefully, feeling the pop of air. Then, say "oh" slowly, feeling the rounded lips and open mouth. Repeat a few times!
2. Minimal Pairs: These are words that differ by only one sound. Let's see how /p/ and /o/ change the meaning:
   • pot - oat (What do we put plants in? What do we ride on water?)
   • pin - out (The opposite of coming in? The opposite of staying inside?)