a. First practise the target sound /b/ in words from the dialogue. Read the words aloud or visit the website to practise.
/b/ is LOUD before a vowel and fairly loud before 'l' and 'r'.
One-syllable words: big but been book birds blue black blouse
Two-syllable words: better busy cabbie Ruby brother buttons birthday (first syllable stressed)
Two-syllable words: about (second syllable stressed)
Three-syllable words: somebody beautiful Barbara butterflies terribly remember
/b/ is often quiet before a consonant or at the end of a word.
a cab Bob pub a proverb Bob's job.
Is it louder when the next word begins with a vowel?
the cab_over there the pub_on the corner the job_is interesting |
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b. Listen to the dialogue. paying attention to the target sound. Notice that it is sometimes louder or quieter.
Happy Birthday
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| BOB: |
Hi, Barbara! |
| BARBARA: |
Hi, Bob. It's my birthday today |
| BOB: |
Oh, yes! Your birthday! . er Happy birthday, Barbara! |
| BARBARA: |
Thanks, Bob. Somebody gave me this blouse for my birthday. |
| BOB: |
What a beautiful blouse! It's got ... mm ... er .. blue butterflies on it. |
| BARBARA: |
And big black buttons. |
| BOB: |
Did er mm Ruby buy it for you? |
| BARBARA: |
Yes. And my brother gave me a book about birds. |
| BOB: |
I didn't remember your birthday, Barbara. I'm terribly sorry. I've been so busy with my new job. I left my old job. The one in the pub. Guess what? I'm driving a cab. |
| BARBARA: |
A cabbie! Congratulations! Don't worry about the birthday present, Bob. But, remember that proverb: 'Better late than never'. |
Find five words in the dialogue where the sound /b/ is quieter.
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| Practise reading the dialogue aloud. Record your voice to compare your production of the target sound with the recording. |
