Pronunciation Lesson 17
 
 
 
 
Pronounce the sound in the words:
are, barn, party, star
Quick Links
Vowels 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10    
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20    
Consonants 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44
Pronunciation video

Watch the following video and learn how to pronounce this sound


Practice speaking while watching the video.
Spelling

This sound can be spelled in any of the following ways
ar are, art, far, smart, dark, march, barn, carp, guitar, party, garden, star, car, guard, part, shark, architect
ear heart
 
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.
Tongue

The front part of your tongue should be in the lower part of your mouth.
Practice video

Watch the following video and practice pronouncing this sound.


Listen to the video and practice repeating each word.
 
 
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.
are far smart barn
carp guitar party garden
star car guard part
 
Note: the red letters all have the same sound (watch the video above)
 
Pronunciation word test
Choose the correct word from the pronunciation practice word list above to complete each sentence.
1.  These cookies ________ are delicious.
2.  There were at least thirty cows in that ________.
3.  The pond is stocked with ________.
4.  I had a really nice time at the ________ last night.
5.  That city is kind of ________ away.
6.  You should report your lost wallet to the security ________.
7.  That was the best ________ of the movie.
8.  I spend a lot of time on the weekend pulling weeds in the ________.
9.  You really like to drive your ________.
10.  That is a really bright ________.
 
Pronunciation Tips
Are You How You Talk?
(Beginner - Listening, reading)

A video lesson to help with your understanding of American dialects.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page.
Are You How You Talk?
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of American dialects. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Improve Your Pronunciation by Training Your Ears
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your pronunciation and English language reductions. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Great English pronunciation tips. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.