Speech work: /u/ and /u:/ - SS2 English Lesson Note

• The vowel /u/ is a short vowel sound that is produced by rounding the lips and lowering the tongue. It is similar to the vowel sound in the word "full."
• The vowel /u:/ is a long vowel sound that is produced by rounding the lips and lowering the tongue even further. It is similar to the vowel sound in the word "fool."

Here is how to pronounce the vowel /u/ and /u:/ correctly:

• /u/: Make a tight "oo" sound, as in the word "full."
• /u:/: Make a longer "oo" sound, as in the word "fool."

Here are some ways to differentiate between the two vowels:

• /u/: is a shorter vowel sound than /u:/.
• /u/: is often followed by a consonant, such as in the word "full."
• /u:/: is often followed by a vowel, such as in the word "fool."

Here are some words associated with the vowels /u/ and /u:/:

• /u/: full, would, put, cup, mug, fun, sun, run
• /u:/: fool, pool, rule, soup, soup, blue, true, few

Here are some examples of how to use the vowels /u/ and /u:/ correctly in sentences:

• I put the cup on the table.
• I would like to go to the pool.
• The fool thought he was smart.
• The rule is that you must stay in your seat.
• The soup is hot.
• The blue sky is beautiful.
• There are few people here today.