Fun Easy English - American English Pronunciation lesson 1.

Pronounce the sound in the words heel, key, piece, seat

In this lesson you will watch a video, and learn the following: how to spell this sound, the sound type, proper mouth position. You will practice pronouncing this sound and take a test.

Watch the video

Watch the following video and learn how to pronounce this sound.

How to spell this sound

This sound can be spelled in any of the following ways.

e	be, complete
ea	bean, cheap, eat, meat, seat
ee	heel, queen, seed, tree
ei	receive
eo	people
ey	key
i	machine, police
ie	field, piece
y	lazy

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 should be slightly tense.

Lips

Your lips should be unrounded and in the same position as when you smile.

Tongue

The front part of your tongue should be in the upper part of your mouth.

Pronunciation practice video

Watch the following video and practice pronouncing this sound.

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.

complete	cheap	queen	receive
people	key	machine	field
lazy	eat	tree	piece

Note: the red letters all have the same sound (watch the video above)

Pronunciation word test

Choose the correct letter or letters to complete each of the following words.

1. compl_te
2. ch_ _p
3. qu_ _n
4. rec_ _ve
5. p_ _ple
6. k_ _
7. mach_ne
8. f_ _ld
9. laz_
10. tr_ _
Note: the letter or letters needed to complete each word all have the same sound.