accent neutralizationv2.0

TRAINING PROGRAM ON

ACCENT NEUTRALISATION

Program Designed Exclusively for HCL BPO

Accent Neutralization

- 2 -

CONSONANT SOUNDS

Voiceless Voiced

[s] Soap, dance, kiss [z] Zoom, easy, busy

[p] Paper, pocket, pen [b] Bike, buster, biscuit

[t] Token, ticket [d] Donut, dread

[k] Cake, quick, matriarch [g] Goat, example

[∫] (sh) Show, posh [] (zh) Vision, beige, treasure

[t∫] (ch) Catch, chirp [d] (ge/j) Jam, bridge

[θ] (th)Think, cloth, bath, breath [ð] (the)The, bathe, clothe, breathe

[f] Five, phone, rough [v] Very, vest, vine

[h] Help, somehow [j] (y) Young, yes, yesterday

[m] Money, some, comb

[n] Nine, sun

[ŋ] (ng) Ring, ringing

[ℓ] Love, kill

[r] Roam, river

[w] Wary, west, wine

Comparison of [s] and [z]

Ice Eyes Peace Peas

False Falls Face Phase

Fierce Fears Race Raise

Shoe Shine

Susan shineth shoes and socks;

socks and shoes shines Susan.

She ceased shining shoes and socks,

for shoes and socks shock Susan.

Unusual Pleasure

It’s a pleasure to measure your unusual vision.

She made the decision to camouflage the beige garage.

As usual he came casual, which I find unusual.

Leisure time is usually for indulging in activities of casual interest.


- 3 -

The Vile VIP

When revising his visitor’s version of a plan for a very well paved avenue, the VIP was advised to

reveal none of his motives. Eventually, however, the hapless visitor discovered his knavish views

and confided that it was vital to review the plans together to avoid a conflict. The VIP was not

convinced, and averred that he would have it vetoed by the vice president. This quite vexed the

visitor, who then vowed to invent an indestructible paving compound in order to avenge his good

name. The VIP found himself on the verge of a civil war with a visitor with whom he had previously

conversed easily. It was only due to his insufferable vanity that the inevitable division arrived as

soon as it did. Never again did the visitor converse with the vain VIP and they remained divided

forever.

Where Is William?

William the wacky, wonderful walrus was last seen eating a wafer along the seashore. He likes to

waddle up to shore and wallow in the sun, thinking of waffles and wafers to eat for fun. He

wanders hither thither, waving to one and all. Wide-eyed, he whooshes through the waters without

a whimper or a whine. Why did he disappear, this willful William of mine? Without a whisper

without a word, he slipped into the waves. Where have you gone oh wacky William of mine?

A Surly Sergeant Socked an Insolent Sailor

Sam, a surly sergeant from Somerset saw a sailor sit silently on a small seat reserved for

youngsters. He stayed for several minutes, while tots swarmed around. Sam asked the sailor to

cease and desist but he sneered in his face. Sam was so incensed that he considered it sufficient

incentive to sock the sailor. The sailor stood there for a second, astonished, and then strolled

away. Sam was perplexed but satisfied and the tots scampered like ants over to the seesaw.

Out in the Pasture

Out in the pasture the nature watcher watches the catcher, while the catcher watches the pitcher

who pitches the balls. Whether the temperature's up or whether the temperature's down, the

nature watcher, the catcher and the pitcher are always around. The pitcher pitches, the catcher

catches and the watcher watches. So whether the temperature rises or whether the temperature

falls the nature watcher just watches the catcher who's watching the pitcher who's pitching the

balls.

A Family Mystery

Peter Wharton had certainly tried to trace his grandparents. His parents had moved from Dayton,

Ohio, to Fort Morton, Colorado, east of the Rocky Mountains. He knew that one of his grandmothers

was from Great Britain, but he hadn’t been able to locate her. Suddenly, when he didn’t expect it,

a letter arrived from Great Britain. It was written by a woman named Katie Newton who claimed to


- 4 -

I

I C E

I N

T I N

I T

I T

I T

TI

TI

T O

T O

T O

OT

OT

A

A N

be his aunt. Katie Newton sent a picture that she had found at the bottom of an old carton. It was

taken a long time ago of a little girl that Katie said was her mother. The girl, wearing a cotton

dress with buttons down the front, was holding a kitten. On the back of the picture was written

“Dotty Burton, 1936”. Peter had forgotten until now that his grandmother’s name was Dotty

Burton. Apparently Katie Newton who sent the picture was his mother’s sister. He couldn’t believe

that he hadn’t heard of her before. Peter Wharton was eager to straighten out the family mystery.

Consonant Clusters

Sometimes several consonants are grouped together into clusters.

Two-consonant beginnings: trip stop block slip snap spoon

Three-consonant beginnings: strap strike strong square (skw) split

Two-consonant beginnings and endings: trips stops blocks slips snaps

tripped stopped slipped

Build up words in the following blocks using:

A T

A T

A T

TA

A M

A M

A M

MA

MA


- 5 -

VOWEL SOUNDS

All vowel sounds are voiced sounds.

Are short or long:

�� Up, come, butter a:a:a:a: Art, palm, father, laugh

�� It, fit, women, cabinet, sit, enough Eat, feet, easy, seat, eagle

ʊʊʊʊ Pull, wool, wood, would, good,

woman

Pool, food, useful, move

Egg, end, any, send, heaven ææææ And, at, apple, happy

Hot, shot, caught, stop Awesome, tall, orange, haul

əəəə (The schwa – represents any compressed vowel sound)

Heav(e)n, sev(e)n, ov(e)n, t(o)day, t(o)morrow, c(o)mplain, (a)bout, (a)ccount, sof(a)

Thursday, Saturday, nurse, first, wonder, ever, cover

Diphthongs – two vowel sounds combined to make one long vowel sound

aiaiaiai I, try, mine, five, height

eieieiei Eight, plate, ate, save, paper

Toy, boil, oil, oyster, voice

auauauau Found, now, hound, about, out

Soap, note, no, told, boat, cone

Beer, deer, dear, clear, here, hear

Bear, bare, chair, stair, dare, air

ʊ əʊ əʊ əʊ ə Poor, tour, moor

A Lot of Long, Hot walks in the Garden

John was not sorry when the boss called off the walks in the garden. Obviously, to him, it was

awfully hot, and the walks were far too long. He had not thought that walking would have caught

on the way it did, and he fought the policy from the onset. At first, he thought he could talk it over

at the law office and have it quashed, but a smack obstacle halted that thought. The top lawyers

always bought coffee at the shop across the lawn and they didn’t want to stop on John’s account.

The problem was not office politics, but office policy. He resolved the problem by bombing the

garden.


- 6 -

What Must The Sun Wonder About?

Some pundits proposed that the sun wonders unnecessarily about sundry and assorted conundrums.

One cannot but speculate what can come of their proposal. It wasn’t enough to trouble us, but it

was done so under handedly that hundreds of sun lovers rushed to the defense of their beloved sun.

None of this was relevant on Monday, however, when the sun burnt up the entire country.

The Tan Man

A fashionably tan man sat casually at the bat stand, lashing a handful of practice bats. The

manager, a crabby old bag of bones, passed by and laughed, “You’re about average Jack. Can’t you

lash faster than that?” Jack had enough, so he clambered to his feet and lashed bats faster than

any man ever lashed bats. As a matter of fact, he lashed bats so fast that he seemed to dance. The

manager was aghast. “Jack, you’re a master bat lasher!” he gasped. Satisfied at last, Jack sat back

and never lashed another bat.

Pick a Peak

People who pick weekly seem to need to appear deep in order to be distinguished from mere peak

pickers. Peters, a champion peak picker, thought he’d be even neater if he were the deepest peak

picker in Peoria, Phoenix, and New Zealand. On his peak peak picker’s week, though, Peter, a peak

picker’s peak picker, realized that he was not deep. This is not easy for a peak picker to admit and

it pitched Peter into a pit of peak picking despair. He was pitiful for six weeks and then lifted

himself to hitherto unrevealed personal peaks.

The Absent Minded Professor

An absent minded professor was lecturing on anatomy to a class of students. To show them more

clearly what he meant, he said he had brought with him a parcel containing a dissected frog. He

wanted them to examine it very carefully. The professor then proceeded to unwrap the parcel.

When he observed that it contained a couple of sandwiches and a hard- boiled egg he exclaimed

with a puzzled air that he could have sworn that he had already eaten his lunch.


- 7 -

TONGUE TWISTERS

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

How much ground would a groundhog grind if a groundhog could grind ground?

I wish to wish the wish you wish to wish, but if you wish the wish the witch wishes, I won't wish the

wish you wish to wish.

A skunk sat on a stump. The skunk thunk the stump stunk, but the stump thunk the skunk stunk.

Unique New York

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked.

If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,

how many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick.

Say this sharply, say this sweetly,

Say this shortly, say this softly.

Say this sixteen times in succession.

She sells seashells by the seashore.

The shells she sells are surely seashells.

So if she sells shells on the seashore,

I'm sure she sells seashore shells.

You've no need to light a night-light

On a light night like tonight,

For a night-light's light's a slight light,

And tonight's a night that's light.

When a night's light, like tonight's light,

It is really not quite right

To light night-lights with their slight lights

On a light night like tonight.

Betty bought some butter but the butter was bitter so she bought a bit of better butter to make

the bitter butter better.


- 8 -

We surely shall see the sun shine soon.

Sure the ship's shipshape, sir.

Any noise annoys an oyster but a noisy noise annoys an oyster more.

If one-doctor doctors another doctor, does the doctor who doctors the doctor doctor the doctor the

way the doctor he is doctoring doctors? Or does he doctor the doctor the way the doctor who

doctors doctors?

Around the rugged rock the ragged rascal ran.

I thought a thought. But the thought I thought wasn’t the thought I thought I thought.


- 9 -

WORD ENDINGS

Past tense verbs

Most verbs are converted into past tense by adding ‘ed’.

1. For words which in the present tense end with voiceless sounds – the ‘ed’ in the past tense

sounds like [t]

tapped (tapt), passed (past), laughed (laft), patched (patcht), voiced (voist)

2. For words which in the present tense end with voiced sounds – the ‘ed’ in the past tense

sounds like [d]

died, drugged, buzzed, lived, bathed, troubled, climbed

3. Exceptions – for words ending in the present tense with ‘t’ and ‘d’ sounds – the ‘ed’ in the

past tense sounds like ‘id’ or ‘ed’

toasted, roasted, dreaded, guided, pasted, posted, defended

Plurals, contractions, possessives and all third person singular simple present tense (all words

ending with ‘s’)

1. For words which (in the singular) end with voiceless sounds – the ‘s’ in the plural sounds

like [s]

tickets, takes, laughs, baths, tips, tests

2. For words which (in the singular) end with voiced sounds – the ‘s’ in the plural sounds like

[z]

dreads, dies, lives, bugs, pulls, chairs, mimes

3. Exceptions – for words which (in the singular) end with ‘s’, ‘z’, ‘sh’, ‘zh’, ‘ch, ‘ge/j’

sounds, the ‘es’ in the plural sounds like ‘iz’

passes, buzzes, pushes, garages, churches, judges


- 10 -

EXERCISE

Find the odd one out

Cake, puff, sandwich Bat, bowl, catch

Tank, car, jeep It’s, she’s, he’s

Taste, savour, decide Balloon, hat, streamer

Sleep, dream, wake Jacket, gloves, goggles

Tom, Dave, Geoff Dog, cat, parakeet

Push, pull, shove Sing, dance, act

Paper, rock, scissors Phone, fax, email

Bed, wardrobe, carpet Beg, borrow, steal

Key, lock, keyhole Plough, sow, reap

Timer, watch, clock Tap, twirl, sway

Pearls

The pearl is one of the most treasured gems. Pearls are formed inside the shells of oysters. The

largest pearl fisheries are in Asia. Cultured pearls were developed by the Chinese in the twentieth

century. They are larger than nature’s pearls. A perfect pearl that is round and has a great luster

is worth a lot of money. Perhaps a “diamond is a girl’s best friend,” but pearls will always win a

woman’s favor!

Own the Problem

It was around six in the evening. I called up my wife and we decided to eat out at a popular

restaurant. We reached the restaurant at 7:30 pm hungry, and exhausted. We seated ourselves at

one of the tables and I signaled a waiter who was serving at the adjacent table.

He saw us but did not respond. “May be he did not see you, Joey”, said my wife. “Call him once

more.” I waved at him once more.

“I do not serve that table,” came the reply, “You have to wait.” He then muttered quite audibly,

“They pay me peanuts. Gees!!! I’m tired of this”

That was the last time we visited the restaurant and warned friends about it too.


- 11 -

Customer and You

For example, when I leave a book order on her voice mail, she not only calls to confirm the order,

but she tells me when it will be shipped. Then she calls to tell me that it’s been shipped and when

it’s slated to arrive. Sometimes the order is for just a few books. Yet she smiles and treats all her

customers alike. Be it an order for two books or two hundred, she makes you feel important.

What makes her go way beyond ‘good’ service? She says she likes the feeling she gets when she

surprises people by going beyond what they expect. She says that every order is important

because, although someone may be ordering just a few books today, that could lead to hundreds

next week.

She told me of a woman who called to order Overcoming Anxiety, because she was apprehensive

about an interview the next week. Searching the database, Carmel saw that the book was on back

order and wouldn’t be available for two weeks. After hanging up, she searched the warehouse for a

copy. No luck. Returning to her desk she found a copy on her bookshelf. She sent it to the woman

with a note saying she knew how important it was, so she had sent her own copy.

THE CRACKED POT

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on the end of a pole which he carried across

his neck. One of the pots was perfectly made and never leaked. The other pot had a crack in it and

by the time the water bearer reached his master's house it had leaked much of its water and was

only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of

water to his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the

poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to

accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by

the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you." "Why?" asked the bearer.

"What are you ashamed of?" "I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my

load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house.

Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your

efforts," the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to

the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."


- 12 -

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful

wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still

felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again the pot apologized to the bearer for

its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path,

but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took

advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back

from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful

flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have

this beauty to grace his house."

Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, God will use

our flaws to grace his table. In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste. Don't be afraid of your

flaws. Acknowledge them, and you too can be the cause of beauty. Know that in our weakness we

find our strength.


- 13 -

WORD ENDINGS - Exercise

Mark the ending sound of the following past tense verbs with a “t” “d” “id”:

Finished Followed Phoned

Raised Rated Rented

Packed Pasted Passed

Loved Looked Liked

Tasted Traded Tapped

Stopped Started Stated

Cooked Cleaned Baked

Whispered Shouted Screamed

Skipped Hoped Lifted

Pushed Pulled Tugged

Ironed Sewed Mended

Avoided Spoiled Treated

Write the sound of the ending for each word and then circle the odd one.

Watches Matches Voices

Lunches Beaches Chimes

Pears Apples Oranges

Dishes Gates Pages

Saves Makes Cooks

Dogs Birds Cats

Eyes Noses Toes

Tables Chairs Couches

Dentists Doctors Lawyers

Newspapers Magazines Books

Babies Ladies Daisies

Talks Walks Runs


- 14 -

SPEECH MUSIC

What is Speech Music?

As the name suggests speech music refers to the basic style or flow of any language. Every

language has its authentic pattern of ups and downs that create music, which is unique to that

particular language.

Speech music is something that indicates the mood and the spirit of the speaker.

Intonation

Intonation (or voice modulation) is the rising and falling of the pitch of your voice during speech. It

adds meaning to what we say. By varying the tone of our voice we can change the meaning of our

words.

Why intonate?

− It is pleasant to listen to when there is music in speech.

− Without intonation, there is no feeling or passion in speech.

− Speech is extremely monotonous without intonation.

− It is easier to understand when we intonate.

− Incorrect intonation communicates the wrong message.

− Intonation helps to distinguish between different types of sentences.

Eg. He will be late. [Statement]

He will be late? [Question]

− The Intonation of our voice also tells the listener if we are issuing a command or making a

request.

Eg. Please shut the door. [Command]

Please shut the door. [Request]

Intonation is the chief means by which the speaker conveys his/her attitudes and emotions.

Eg. Really! / Sorry / Thank you / Please / Oh no!

Ways to intonate

− Increase the volume when you speak the word you want to intonate.

− Stretch the word that you want to intonate.

− Increase the pitch of the word you want to intonate.


- 15 -

Though all the three ways lead to the same goal the most effective way of intonating is by

increasing the pitch of the word that needs to be intonated. It is natural to start with the first two

methods since they are easy but don’t stop till you master the art of increasing the pitches.

Rules for Correct Intonation of Words

Where to intonate?

To be able to intonate correctly we should be able to identify the word or words that need to be

intonated. Let us look at the various ways to pick out the right words for intonation.

− New Information or Purpose

− Contrast

− Usage of “NOT”

− Opinion

New Information

Whenever the sentence gives out a new piece of information the words which bring out the

meaning are intonated. In other words whatever word highlights the purpose of speaking that

sentence is intonated.

Eg. This is the house that Jack built.

Contrast

When two contradictory ideas are presented in the same sentence then both the opposite words

are intonated.

Eg. I have no idea what you are asking, but I can find out and let you know.

Usage of “NOT”

Whenever there is a negation in the sentence, stress the negation itself.

Eg. What I understand is that you are not from planet Earth.

Opinion

While expressing your opinion you stress on the word that shows that it’s just an opinion that you

are expressing and not a fact.

Eg. I think it’s a white elephant.


- 16 -

Rules for Correct Intonation of Sentences

Intonation remains constant during a sentence and only rises or falls at the end:

− Statements have falling intonation.

Eg. “You’re going to die today.”

− Doubts have rising intonation.

Eg. “I’m going to die today?”

− Close-ended questions have rising intonation.

Eg. “Would you like to dance?”

− Open-ended questions have falling intonation.

Eg. “So what are you doing this evening?”

− During pauses (commas) in a sentence, intonation is level.

Eg. “I had fruits, cereal, eggs, bacon, croissants, hash brown potatoes, fruit juice

and milk for breakfast.”

However, remember that pitch change will be effective only if you are able to speak with tone

(emotion in the voice).

Tag Questions

A tag question has two parts, a statement and yes-no question called a tag. When the tag falls in

pitch, the speaker sounds more sure of the answer. When the tag rises in pitch, the speaker sounds

less sure of the answer.

Tag Question Meaning

1. We can catch the bus here, can’t we? sure (I believe this is a bus stop.)

We can catch the bus here can’t we? not sure (I’m not sure that this is a bus stop.)

2. You won’t forget, will you? sure (I feel certain that you won’t forget.)

You won’t forget, will you? not sure (I’m afraid that you may forget.)

Tone

Tone is the emotion that is, or should be, evident in our voice when we speak. To be a convincing

speaker, you need the magical quality of enthusiasm. Although it may be bubbling away inside you,

if your voice doesn’t express it, your audience won’t be able to share it with you. Your Tone of

voice expresses your feeling or mood.


- 17 -

Some ‘tones’:

Warm Friendly Cold Hostile

Happy Humorous Sad/Angry Sarcastic

Interested Excited Bored Impatient

Pained Serious

Here is an opportunity to practice using the full range of your voice by saying the word ‘really’ to

indicate the feelings expressed below:

‘I have just lost my job’ ‘Really?’ (Horror)

‘You need to get your hair cut’ ‘Really.’ (Annoyance)

‘Your work is exceptionally good’ ‘Really.’ (Pleasure)

Even a simple word like ‘Hello’, can indicate a variety of emotions by changing the inflection.

‘Hello’ – pleased to see friends.

‘Hello’ – male welcoming a female friend.

‘Hello’ – surprised and delighted.

Now practice the same range of emotions with the following words:

Sue fell into the manhole.

Response - Oh my God! (Horror)

When your sister pours ice cubes in your shirt.

Response- Oh my God!

When you receive shocking news.

Response – Oh my God! (Terrified) and (Hilarious)

When made to say in the presence of others.

Response – Sorry (reluctantly)

Sorry (sincerely)

Sorry (repeatedly to irritate)

Now try these sentences:

I’m having an awful stomach ache. – Happy

I just won the $2,000,000 lottery. – Bored

Thank you very much for coming to my party. – Sarcastic

I’m sorry. Your car just got stolen. – Warm


- 18 -

Welcome to our company. – Angry

I just got a promotion. – Sad

I have a broken arm. – Excited

Take your time. – Impatient

Pauses

A pause is a brief moment during which the speaker is silent. Sentences should be divided through

the use of pauses. The speaker can use a pause to convey or emphasize meaning.

Eg. I finished my homework / / and watched TV. (Correct pause)

I finished / / my homework and watched TV. (Wrong pause)

Read the following sentences pausing where indicated.

1. A rolling stone / / gathers no moss.

2. Steve said / / “I’m happy to accept your offer.”

3. “Please help me / / Sally.”

4. Mr. White / /the new employee / / is always late.

5. I don’t agree / / and I won’t change my mind.

Where would you pause, in these sentences?

Chuck was sightseeing near the seashore in Portugal. He stopped at a shop near the ocean that

specialized in exotic shells. The shop sold him an unusual shell in a fancy glass box. Chuck

negotiated a good price. He left the store satisfied, but with a premonition that something was

about to happen. Sure enough, as he shifted into reverse and backed out of his parking space,

Chuck heard a large crunch.

Mark the appropriate meaning for each sentence.

1. a. the twenty-two-inch goldfish _____ 22” fish _____ 2” fish

b. the twenty two-inch fish _____ 22” fish _____ 2” fish

2. a. fifty-one-dollar raffle tickets _____ $1 a ticket _____ $51 a ticket

b. fifty one-dollar raffle tickets _____ $1 a ticket _____ $51 a ticket

3. a. fried chicken, potato salad, and a coke _____ three things _____ four things


- 19 -

b. fried chicken, potato, salad, and a coke _____ three things _____ four things

4. a. the computer software and keyboard _____ two things _____ three things

b. the computer, software, and keyboard _____ two things _____ three things

5. a. a car, phone, and tape deck _____ two things _____ three things

b. a car phone and tape deck _____ two things _____ three things

Thought Groups

Native speakers divide longer sentences into thought groups to make them easier to understand. A

thought group is a phrase or short sentence that is spoken. The speaker pauses at the e4nd of each

thought group.

The world is so full // of a number of things, //

I’m sure we should all // be as happy as kings.

Assemble sentences about celebrations and holidays in English-speaking countries.

1 2 3

1. Flower shops • a day for remembering

someone you love

• to celebrate Halloween.

2. In late October • the whole of Australia unites

in celebration

• with a family gathering and

turkey.

3. Valentine’s Day, • people celebrate their

country’s independence

• on Canada Day (July 1st) and

the Fourth of July.

4. In most English-speaking

countries,

• children dress up in costumes

and collect candy

• surrounding a horse race

called the Foster’s Melbourne

Cup.

5. Boxing Day, • sell more flowers in late May • by giving gifts and eating

birthday cake.

6. Thanksgiving is celebrated • look forward to presents from

Santa Claus

• originated when wealthy

people gave Christmas boxes

to the less fortunate.

7. Children who celebrate

Christmas

• a national British holiday, • is on February 14th.


- 20 -

8. In the United States and

Canada

• people celebrate birthdays • on December 25th.

9. On the first Tuesday in

November

• by many people in the United

States and Canada

• because of Mother’s Day.

Simplifying Clusters

Three-consonant clusters often lose the middle sound in rapid speech.

(The : means to hold the sound briefly in place)

s t s tests tes:s The tes:s are graded.

tourists touris:s The touris:s are everywhere.

t h s months mons mons and mons of work

tenths tens nine-tens of the marbles

s k s desks des:s Fourteen des:s were moved.

asks as:s Ha as:s about you.

c t s directs direx He dire:x the traffic.

facts fax The fa:x are obvious.

Clusters are not necessarily only found within individual words.

vine ripened (nr) stop watch (pw) looks like new (ksl)

What’s the problem? (tsthe) an action film (nf) tax forms (ksf)

It’s a big deal. (gd) plastic bag (kb)

- Will you deduct some of the charges?

- We’ll adapt some of their customs.

- Jim returned late last night.

- Hand me the salt, please.


- 21 -

Linking (Liaisons)

The words in phrases or thought groups are usually linked together. The consonant that finishes one

word connects to the sound at the beginning of the next word. “Missed her” sounds like “Mister.”

“Sue’s in love” sounds like “Suzan’s love”.

Try the following:

1. turn around tur-naround

2. turns around turn-zaround

3. look alike loo-kalike

4. looks away look-saway

5. jumps up jum-psup

6. jumped up jump-tup

7. call after cal-lafter

8. called after call-dafter

9. pulled out pull-dout

10. bakes it bake-sit

- Will you deduct a dollar from the bill?

- We’ll adapt all the customs.

- Jane was the last of the group to return.

- Hand over your wallet!

Add an ending sound to the underlined word and link it to the next word:

- The foe is ringing. - I knee a ride.

- The row is closed for repairs. - I her him laugh.

- Turn rye at the corner. - Do you have fie dollars?

- Please moo your car.

Linking the same consonant sound

When you link two consonant sounds that are the same, say the sound once, but hold it longer. The :

means to hold the sound briefly in place.

a black: car stop: pushing prevent: disease a wet: diaper

a fine: night mile: long moved: twice listened: to her


- 22 -

Linking two vowels results in either a ‘y’ sound or a ‘w’ sound.

appreciate creative stereo video we all the end

usual persuade casual go out show up shoe on

A Creative Idea

I had an idea. The old lady in our apartment building hadn’t been feeling so well. She seemed lonely,

and I thought she’d appreciate some attention. So I persuaded the neighbours to put in a few dollars to

buy her a gift. In the end, we all decided to have a huge potluck dinner. We all cooked our favourite

recipes. When we went to deliver the dinner, the old lady was dressed to go out – apparently with a

new boyfriend! So we ate the dinner ourselves, and had such a good time that we decided to do it

again.

NURSERY RHYMES

Jack and Jill went up the hill

To fetch a pail of water

Jack fell down and broke his crown

And Jill came tumbling after

“Johnny, Johnny”, “Yes, Papa.”

“Eating sugar?” “No, Papa.”

“Telling lies?” “No, Papa.”

“Open your mouth” “Ha, ha, ha.”

“Baa baa black sheep, have you any wool?”

“Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full.

One for my Master and one for my Dame

And one for the little boy who lives down the lane.”

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are

Up above the world so high

Like a diamond in the sky.


- 23 -

Doctor Foster

Went to Gloucester

In a shower of rain.

He stepped in a puddle

Right up to his middle

And never went there again!

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.

For want of a shoe the horse was lost.

For want of a horse the rider was lost.

For want of a rider the battle was lost.

For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.

And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

There once was a man so sublime,

Who married three wives at a time.

When asked “Why a third?”

He replied, “One’s Absurd!

“And bigamy, Sir, is a crime.”

There once was a man very weird,

Who said, “It is just as I Feared!

“Two owls and a hen,

“Four larks and a wren

“Have all built their nests in my beard.”

- Edward Lear


- 24 -

THE WATER CLOSET

In the days when you couldn't count on a public toilet facility, an English woman was planning a trip to

India.

She was registered to stay in a small guesthouse owned by the local schoolmaster. She was concerned

as to whether the guesthouse contained a WC. In England, a bathroom is commonly called a WC, which

stands for “Water Closet". She wrote to the schoolmaster inquiring of the facilities about the WC.

The schoolmaster, not fluent in English, asked the local priest if he knew the meaning of WC. Together

they pondered possible meanings of the letters and concluded that the lady wanted to know if there

was a” Wayside Chapel" near the house . . . a bathroom never entered their minds.

So the schoolmaster wrote the following reply:

Dear Madam,

I take great pleasure in informing you that the WC is located 9 miles from the house. It is located in the

middle of a grove of pine trees, surrounded by lovely grounds. It is capable of holding 229 people and is

open on Sundays and Thursdays. As there are many people expected in the summer months, I suggest

you arrive early. There is, however, plenty of standing room. This is an unfortunate situation especially

if you are in the habit of going regularly. It may be of some interest to you that my daughter was

married in the WC, as it was there that she met her husband. It was a wonderful event. There were 10

people in every seat. It was wonderful to see the expressions on their faces.

My wife, sadly, has been ill and unable to go recently. It has been almost a year since she went last,

which pains her greatly. You will be pleased to know that many people bring their lunch and make a

day of it. Others prefer to wait till the last minute and arrive just in time!

I would recommend your ladyship plan to go on a Thursday, as there is an organ accompaniment. The

acoustics are excellent and even the most delicate sounds can be heard everywhere. The newest

addition is a bell, which rings every time a person enters. We are holding a bazaar to provide plush

seats for all since many feel it is long needed. I look forward to escorting you there myself and seating

you in a place where you can be seen by all.

With deepest regards,

The Schoolmaster


- 25 -

STRESS

In English, we do not articulate each word of a sentence with equal emphasis; we accentuate or

stress only a few particular words in a sentence. This is referred to as stress, and helps to

emphasize the meaning we are trying to convey. Remember, incorrect stress can convey the wrong

message.

1. Sentence Stress

Try stressing each word in turn and see the different meanings that emerge:

I never said the boss was a grouch.








Sentence stress is the music of spoken English. It can help you to understand spoken English,

especially when spoken fast. Sentence stress is what gives English its rhythm or ‘beat’. Sentence

stress is accent on certain words within a sentence. Most sentences have two types of word:

− Content words

− Structure words

Content words are the key words of a sentence. They are the important words that carry the

meaning or sense.

Structure words are not very important words. They are small, simple words that make the

sentence correct grammatically. They give the sentence its correct form or ‘structure’.

If you remove the structure words from a sentence, you will probably still understand the

sentence. If you remove the content words from a sentence, you will not understand the sentence.

The sentence has no sense or meaning.


- 26 -

Rhythm

Why is this important for pronunciation? It is important as it adds ‘music’ to the language. It is the

rhythm of the English language. It can change the speed at which we speak (and listen to) the

language. The time between each stressed word is the same.

SELL CAR GOING FRANCE

SELL MY CAR GOING TO FRANCE

PLEASE SELL MY CAR BECAUSE I’M GOING TO FRANCE.

Remember to stress on those words which will convey the right meaning of what you are saying.

2. Word Stress

As sentence stress is accent on certain words within a sentence, word stress is accent on one

syllable within a word, there by making that syllable more prominent than others. The strongest

accent is called primary stress; the next most prominent is called secondary stress. In many

dictionaries, the accents are indicated by such symbols as (´) for primary or main stress and (") for

secondary stress.

Understanding syllables

To understand word stress, it helps to understand syllables.

Every word is broken into sound segments. These segments are called syllables. A syllable is a word

or part of a word pronounced with a single, uninterrupted sounding voice.

Count the syllables in the following words:

Telephone

Entrepreneur

Organization

Prospect

Hour

The syllables that are not stressed are ‘weak’ or ‘small’ or ‘quiet’. Native speakers of English listen

for the STRESSED syllables, not the weak syllables. If you use correct word stress in your speech,

you will instantly and automatically improve your pronunciation and your comprehension.

Try to hear the stress in individual words each time you listen to English - on the radio, or in films,

for example. Your first step is to HEAR and recognize it. After that, you can USE it!


- 27 -

There are two very important rules about word stress:

− One word, one stress. (One word cannot have two stresses. So if you hear two Stresses,

you have heard two words, not one word.)

− The stress is always on a vowel.

Rules for Word Stress

Rule 1 – Nouns

In nouns with two (or more) syllables, the stress usually falls on the first syllable.

Eg. address, addict, advocate, associate, conduct, content, contest, contract,

desert, digest, exploit, graduate, implement, increase, object, present,

permit, suspect

Rule 2 – Verbs

In verbs with two (or more) syllables, stress usually falls on the second syllable.

Eg. address, addict, advocate, associate, conduct, content, contest, contract,

desert, digest, exploit, graduate, implement, increase, object, present,

permit, suspect

Rule 3 – Adjectives

In adjectives with two syllables, the stress usually falls on the first syllable.

Eg. Pretty, separate, duplicate

Rule 4 – Suffixes

− In words with these suffixes, the stress falls on the syllable just before the suffix.

Suffixes: ion, ient, iant, ic, ical, ity, ial, ious, iable, ogy, graphy, ify, meter

Eg. Caution, photography, biology.

− In words with these suffixes, stress falls on the suffix itself.

Suffixes: ee, eer, ese, ette, ique

Eg. Trainee, volunteer, Chinese, cassette, boutique

Rule 5 – Compound Nouns

Compound nouns are nouns with two words inside of them. Stress falls on the first part of the

compound noun.

Eg. Keyboard, Software, database.


- 28 -

Rule 6 – Verbs + Prepositions

There are many verbs and prepositions that go together, stress falls on the second part in these

combinations.

Eg. come in, get out, log in, log out.

Rule 7 – Numbers

For all the ‘teens’ stress falls on the second syllable, and for all the multiples of ten,

stress is on the first syllable

Eg. thirteen, thirty

Rule 8 – Acronyms

Acronyms are very common in American English. The stress in acronyms is almost always on the last

letter.

Eg. USA, UCLA, CPU, VSNL, PC, CD, BBC, CNN, CNBC.

Tips:

1. Remember that non-stressed words and syllables are often “swallowed” in English.

2. Always focus on pronouncing stressed words well, non-stressed words can be glided over.

3. Don’t focus on pronouncing each word. Focus on the stressed words in each sentence.

Stress on words ending with - ION

Application Decision Imagination Preparation Association Declaration Information Production Attention Destruction Observation Recognition Civilization Division Occasion Situation Conversation Education Population Cultivation Opinion Religion Fragmentation Projection

Stress on words ending with – IC/ICAL

Artistic Patriotic Electric Scientific Atlantic Pacific Specific Apologetic Pathetic Sympathetic Problematic Enigmatic

Stress on words ending with – ICAL

Political Electrical Practical Mechanical Criminal Technical Original Physical Psychological Philosophical

Stress on words ending with – IOUS

Atrocious Ceremonious Fallacious Notorious Envious Contagious Suspicious Delicious Courageous Outrageous Righteous Flirtatious


- 29 -

Stress on words ending with – ITY Activity Necessity Responsibility Curiosity Opportunity Simplicity Equality Ability Facility Stability Ambiguity Antiquity

Stress on words ending with – IAL

Artificial Industrial Ceremonial Memorial Confidential Official Essential Presidential Credential Superficial Celestial Palatial

Stress on words ending with – ICALLY

Chemically Economically Psychologically Statistically

Stress is placed on these suffixes

Absentee Refugee Trainee Career Engineer Volunteer Chinese Japanese Portuguese Boutique Technique Unique Brunette Cassette Cigarette

How stress on the syllable changes the meaning of the sentence I had a good work out today? I work out at the gym? That is a good record. Please record the lecture. They are taking a survey. They must survey the damage. They were rewarded for good conduct. They will conduct a workshop. What is the content of the letter? We were content with the result. He is an associate of mine. Do you associate with your neighbors? This is a duplicate copy. Please duplicate this key Do you want separate checks? Separate them by code An implement is a tool. Will they implement a new policy? Do you take vitamin supplement? I want to supplement my income.


- 30 -

The Echo Game

Speaker: fantastic Echo: It’s plastic

acquainted He fainted.

understand Hold my hand.

contented He sent it.

appropriate I noticed it.

committee She’s pretty.

committee He’s witty.

interruption Let’s have lunch now.

interruption He’s my uncle.

accommodation I’m on vacation.

accommodation They’re not related.

identification He went on vacation.

identification Prescribe medication.

identification I made the arrangements.

inappropriate I can hope for it.

inappropriate You can open it.

inappropriate It’s not over yet.

complexion You guessed it.

complexion He checks it.

arithmetic I looked at it.

arithmetic He lifted it.

interact It’s a fact.

interact Don’t react.

interact Here’s your hat.

contradiction Pass the chicken.

contradiction Here’s the winner.

satisfaction It’s the black one.


- 31 -

Pronunciation Rap

1. If you want to speak English in a way that’s cool

Put it in your body as you learn each rule,

Tap the rhythm and feel the beat

Put that language in your feet.

Chorus

(And) Practice – It’s the only way.

Make small talk – every day.

(I said) Practice – It’s the only way.

Make small talk – everyday.

2. Whether you whisper, whether you shout

Stress that syllable, stretch it out

Ice cream in the desert makes a great dessert.

Present me with a present of a brand new shirt.

3. Reduce those “of’s” and reduce those “and’s”

Have a cup o’ coffee, Wash you face ‘n’ hands

Drop that “h” when you “give ‘er a kiss,”

With all this rhyming, you just can’t miss!

Chorus

4. Remember to link those final “S’s”.

And those endings, no more guesses.

She likes apples while she sits on beaches

When he’s hungry he goes for peaches.

5. “E-d” endings must be clear.

Shout them out for all to hear!

And, when is it posted, when is it picked?

When is it toasted, when is it ticked?

Chorus


- 32 -

6. Articulate! – And you’ll do great

You won’t say A when you mean to say eight.

You won’t get Kay when you want to get cake

(See the difference a sound can make!)

7. Put in pauses where they need to go

Change those pitches – make ‘em high, make ‘em low

Start rapping and tapping, and you’ll feel grand

‘cause when you talk, they’ll understand!

Chorus

8. Well, that’s the way to get things done –

Ten parts rhythm, and ten parts fun.

In the shower, and in your bed,

Practice intonation till it fills your head!

SISTERS AND BROTHERS, GET INTO THE FLOW -

INTONATION IS THE WAY TO GO!!

- Ellen Stein


- 33 -

TRUE COLOURS

I am peaceful today, cool, calm and collected, as the saying goes. I am blue, the lovely refreshing

blue of a calm ocean. Other people talk about “feeling blue” and “blue Monday”. But my blue is

the sky making friends with the sun and cotton puff clouds; it’s the color of welcome water in a

heat wave.

Red is inside me, too. My red is not the usual angry red everyone talks of; it is a happy red, rising

up inside me like a great ball of fire, exploding into the air and spurting forth small flames of

laughter; the red of a clown’s nose; the red of the symbolic heart storing love and happiness. It is

the same red glow I see at sunset, a red that is so very rare, but I have discovered it.

There is green as well. Not the green of jealousy, but the green I feel and see when I am close to

nature. My green grows in me like a young tree. Green is life when you watch winter branches

become heavy with green leaves in spring.

Black is supposed to be dull, gloomy – a dead color. My black mood takes hold of me when I feel

the need to show I can be sophisticated. It can be shiny, glittering, stunning. Black is not a

reminder of storms. Black is the sky at night, sparkling with stars, carrying the moon on a silken

thread; an evening dress studded with diamonds.

My silver is a special color of adventure and excitement; the stars at night; a jet in flight, the sun

chasing it, making it shine. It is dangerous, an exciting time of flashing swords and clashing “en

garde” cries!

And finally, white! I am saving it for my special day; then my white will be clouds, a long dress and

a veil, a white bouquet, a white cake. My white will be heaven, a honeymoon and love. My white

will be special. My white will be shared.


- 34 -

INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATORS CODE

A - ALPHA

B - BRAVO

C - CHARLIE

D - DELTA

E - ECHO / EASY

F - FOX / FOXTROT

G - GOLF

H - HOTEL

I - INDIA

J - JULIET

K - KILO

M - MIKE / MOTHER

N - NANCY / NOVEMBER

O - OSCAR

P - PETER / PAPA

Q - QUEBEC / QUEEN

R - ROMEO / ROGER

S - SUSAN / SIERRA

T - TANGO

U - UNION / UNIFORM

V - VICTOR

W - WATER / WHISKY

X - XRAY

Y - YANKEE

Z - ZULU


- 35 -

US STATES AND THEIR CAPITALS

Alabama : Montgomery

Alaska : Juneau

Arizona : Phoenix

Arkansas : Little Rock

California : Sacramento

Colorado : Denver

Connecticut : Hartford

Delaware : Dover

Florida : Tallahassee

Georgia : Atlanta

Hawaii : Honolulu

Idaho : Boise

Illinois : Springfield

Indiana : Indianapolis

Iowa : Des Moines

Kansas : Topeka

Kentucky : Frankfort

Louisiana : Baton Rouge

Maine : Augusta

Maryland : Annapolis

Massachusetts : Boston

Michigan : Lansing

Minnesota : St. Paul

Mississippi : Jackson


- 36 -

Missouri : Jefferson City

Montana : Helena

Nebraska : Lincoln

Nevada : Carson City

New Hampshire : Concord

New Jersey : Trenton

New Mexico : Santa Fe

New York : Albany

North Carolina : Raleigh

North Dakota : Bismarck

Ohio : Columbus

Oklahoma : Oklahoma City

Oregon : Salem

Pennsylvania : Harrisburg

Rhode Island : Providence

South Carolina : Columbia

South Dakota : Pierre

Tennessee : Nashville

Texas : Austin

Utah : Salt Lake City

Vermont : Montpelier

Virginia : Richmond

Washington : Olympia

West Virginia : Charleston

Wisconsin : Madison

Wyoming : Cheyenne


- 37 -

GRAMMAR


- 38 -

SENTENCE STRUCTURE

EXERCISE: Unscramble these proverbs

the policy honesty best is .

his is by known man a friends .

face off nose your . don’t spite your to cut

you you what . can’t hurt don’t know

money is . evil of all root the

. a plants he for that plants posterity tree

life bowl just . is of a cherries

speak . then think, first and

must they dance . the pay fiddler that

as to as man he born begins die. soon is

. mother trust is of deceit the

the end means . justifies the

it pours it but never rains, .

there’s . flock in every a sheep black

do unto do unto as others to would them like you . you


- 39 -

two to there question are sides every .

cannot . it both you have ways

two a three crowd is company, is .

until learn how go to don’t the near water you swim.

An . all things end to come good must

Must best part . friends the of

Every cupboard has . the skeleton in a family


- 40 -

ARTICLES

Complete with a, an or the

EXERCISE I

bizarre incident occurred when Paul Sirks was trying to get his plane going, after it quit on

landing. Sirks was trying to crank propeller when plane took off without

pilot. It reached 12,000 feet and flew around for two hours. It finally ran out of gas and

crashed in bean field northwest of Columbus.

EXERCISE II

17-year-old was arrested and charged with robbing bank while dressed in cowboy

outfit. According to police reports, Dustin Marshall tipped his hat and yelled "Giddyup!" as he

pointed cowboy-type pistol" at bank employees. Marshall was also charged with robbing

another bank six days later while wearing ghost mask.

EXERCISE III

raging pipeline fire in Jesse, Delta State, which killed over 700 people last

weekend was yesterday extinguished by United States fire-fighting company by

suffocating flames with thick nitrogen-rich layer of foam. Workmen

from Houston, Texas-based company, BJ Services, spent less than hour

shooting nitrogen-rich foam from hoses onto pipeline before finally choking out

fire which raged on for days. A company official said they had extensive experience

in oil fires, and approached government about putting out blaze. explosion

and fire erupted while over 1,000 people were trying to collect gasoline spilling from

damaged government-owned pipeline. Hundreds of people were believed to have

been injured, but many have refused medical care or fled from hospitals, fearing they

might be arrested for either causing fire or scavenging gas.

EXERCISE IV

1. Don’t forget to turn off light when you go out.

2. Enjoy your holiday and don’t forget to send me postcard.

3. What is name of this village?

4. Canada is very big country.

5. I like this room but I don’t like colour of carpet.

6. Are you okay? No, I’ve got headache.

7. We live in old house near station.


- 41 -

8. What is name of director of film we saw last night?

9. What is largest city in Canada?

EXERCISE V

1. Harold is ______ most obnoxious person I know.

2. Diana is ______ very nice person.

3. Last night we went out for ______ meal.

4. Tonight we are probably going to eat in ______ hotel restaurant and then get to bed early.

I hate staying in hotels but it's part of the job.

5. I cannot remember if I saw that film on television or at ______ cinema.

6. Make sure you put your name at ______ end of the report.

7. I'm sure it won't be long before people are living and working in ______ space.

8. Have you already had ______ lunch?

9. I spoke to several people at the cocktail party. Was John ______ one with the red hair?

10. I'd like to invite him to ______ dinner next week, if that's OK with you.

11. Could you close ______ door, please? It's really cold.

12. We have got new offices near ______ centre of the city.

13. Have your new offices got ______ canteen?

14. For lunch I had a sandwich. I cannot remember what filling was in ______ sandwich.

15. When you come out the lift, you'll see two doors, ______ red one and ______ blue one. My

door is ______ red one.

16. We need to do more for ______ poor.

17. The greatest invention of the 20th century is ______ computer.

18. I'm looking for ______ new job.

19. I saw ______ man going into the office. I don't know who ______ man was.

20. When you're ready, I'll take you to ______ airport.

EXERCISE VI

Hi John,

I arrived in USA last Monday. We left Rome, flew over Alps and made a quick stop

in London. There we went shopping in Harrods, visited Tower and enjoyed a sunny

afternoon in Hyde Park.

On the following day we left for New York. time on board wasn't boring as there were

two films to watch on TV. people on plane were all Italian. Before we landed

at JFK airport, we saw Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Empire State


- 42 -

Building. hotel I stayed in was on corner of 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. I

don't like hotels very much, but I didn't have time to rent an apartment. Please say hello to Peter and Mandy. Yours, Peter


- 43 -

PREPOSITIONS


- 44 -


- 45 -


- 46 -

EXERCISE I

1. He made his escape by jumping ______ a window and jumping ______ a waiting car.

2. To get to the Marketing department, you have to go ______ those stairs and then ______

the corridor to the end.

3. I saw something about it ______ television.

4. I couldn't get in ______ the door so I had to climb ______ a window.

5. She took the key ______ her pocket and put it ________ the lock.

6. He drove ______ me without stopping and drove off ______ the centre of town.


- 47 -

7. I took the old card ______ the computer and put ______ the new one.

8. I went ______ him and asked him the best way to get ______ town.

9. It's unlucky to walk ______ a ladder in my culture. I always walk ______ them.

10. The restaurant is ______ the High Street, ______ the cinema.

11. Sally left school ______ the age of 16 and went to work ______ a bank.

12. He jumped ______ the wall and ______ the garden.

13. He was driving ______ 180 miles per hour when he crashed ______ the central barrier.

14. She ran ______ the corridor and ______ the stairs to the second floor.

15. John is the person standing ______ the window, ______ the woman with the long blonde

hair.

16. When the bull ran ______ me, I jumped ______ the fence.

17. Look, that car's ______ fire.

18. He saw a parking space ______ two cars and drove ______ it.

19. Harry comes to work ______ car but I prefer to come ______ foot.

20. He took the book ______ the shelf and put it ______ his bag.

EXERCISE II

1. I left work ______ ten o'clock last night.

2. I saw Bob in the street ______ yesterday.

3. I didn't get time to come and visit you ______ last Tuesday.

4. He used to be a regular visitor ______ Tuesdays.

5. I phoned her up and spoke to her ______ Wednesday morning.

6. I last saw him ______ the beginning of September.

7. I saw him sometime ______ June.

8. Were you at the last meeting ______ July 13?

9. We bought the company ______ Thursday, 22 May.

10. I spoke to her ______ three weeks ago.

11. I bought this computer ______ the start of the summer.

12. I bought this computer ______ the summer.

13. I bought this computer ______ last summer.

14. This style was very popular ______ the 1970's.

15. They were very popular ______ the middle of the 19th Century.

16. I was still at school ______ 1993.

17. I met him ______ January of last year.

18. I knew Chris Smith quite well ______ when I was at university.

19. I took over this job ______ the middle of last year.

20. I was in a meeting ______ all day yesterday.


- 48 -

MAKING SUBJECTS AND VERBS AGREE 1. When the subject of a sentence is composed of two or more nouns or pronouns connected by and, use a plural verb.

2. When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by or or nor, use a singular verb.

3. When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or pronoun joined by or or nor, the verb should agree with the part of the subject that is nearer the verb.

4. Doesn't is a contraction of does not and should be used only with a singular subject. Don't is a contraction of do not and should be used only with a plural subject. The exception to this rule appears in the case of the first person and second person pronouns I and you. With these pronouns, the contraction don't should be used.

5. Do not be misled by a phrase that comes between the subject and the verb. The verb agrees with the subject, not with a noun or pronoun in the phrase.

6. The words each, each one, either, neither, everyone, everybody, anybody, anyone, nobody, somebody, someone, and no one are singular and require a singular verb.


- 49 -

7. Nouns such as civics, mathematics, dollars, measles, and news require singular verbs.

Note: the word dollars is a special case. When talking about an amount of money, it requires a singular verb, but when referring to the dollars themselves, a plural verb is required.

8. Nouns such as scissors, tweezers, trousers, and shears require plural verbs. (There are two parts to these things.)

9. In sentences beginning with there is or there are, the subject follows the verb. Since there is not the subject, the verb agrees with what follows.

10. Collective nouns are words that imply more than one person but that are considered singular and take a singular verb, such as: group, team, committee, class, and family. In very few cases, the plural verb is used if the individuals in the group are thought of and specifically referred to.

11. Expressions such as with, together with, including, accompanied by, in addition to, or as well do not change the number of the subject. If the subject is singular, the verb is too.


- 50 -

EXERCISE I

1. Either the physicians in this hospital or the chief administrator ____ going to have to make a decision.

is are

2. ______ my boss or my sisters in the union going to win this grievance?

Is Are

3. Some of the votes __________ to have been miscounted.

seem seems

4. The tornadoes that tear through this county every spring _____ more than just a nuisance.

are is

5. Everyone selected to serve on this jury _____ to be willing to give up a lot of time.

have has

6. Kara Wolters, together with her teammates, _________ a formidable opponent on the basketball court.

presents present

7. He seems to forget that there __________ things to be done before he can graduate.

are is

8. There _______ to be some people left in that town after yesterday’s flood.

have has

9. Some of the grain __________ to be contaminated.

appear appears

10. Three-quarters of the students __________ against the tuition hike.

is are

11. Three-quarters of the student body __________ against the tuition hike.

is are

12. A high percentage of the population _________ voting for the new school.

is are


- 51 -

13. A high percentage of the people _________ voting for the new school.

was were

EXERCISE II 1. The piano as well as the pipe organ ____________ to be tuned for the big concert.

HAS HAVE 2. The mayor together with his two brothers ____________ going to be indicted for accepting bribes.

ARE IS 3. Neither of my two suitcases ____________ adequate for this trip.

IS ARE 4. There ____________ a list of committee members on the head-table.

ARE IS 5. Everybody in the class ____________ done the homework well in advance.

HAS HAVE 6. The jury ____________ their seats in the courtroom.

TAKE TAKES 7. Neither the teacher nor the students ____________ to understand this assignment.

SEEM SEEMS 8. ____________ either my father or my brothers made a down-payment on the house?

HAS HAVE 9. Hartford is one of those cities that ____________ working hard to reclaim a riverfront. HINT: Try starting the sentence with "Of those cities that . . . ."

IS ARE 10. Some of the grain ____________ gone bad.

HAVE HAS 11. John or his brother ____________ going to be responsible for this.

ARE IS 12. A few of the students ____________ doing so well they can skip the next course.

ARE IS 13. Either the Committee on Course Design or the Committee on College Operations ____________ these matters.

DECIDE DECIDES


- 52 -

14. One of my instructors ____________ written a letter of recommendation for me.

HAVE HAS

EXERCISE III

1. The price of these jeans reasonable. (is/are)

2. The books borrowed from the library on my desk. (is/are)

3. The boy who won the two medals a friend of mine. (is/are)

4. Bread and butter our daily food. (is/are)

5. The famous singer and composer arrived. (has/have)

6. Collecting match-boxes one of his favourite pastimes.(is/are)

7. The quality of the candies poor. (is/are)

8. Neither his father nor his mother mahjong. (play/plays)

9. Neither parent fond of playing mahjong. (is/are)

10. None of my friends there. (was/were)

11. Many a student made the same mistake. (has/have)

12. Gold, as well as platinum, recently risen in price. (has/have)

13. The boss, as well as his colleagues, been robbed by the robber. (has/have)

14. Ten tons a heavy load. (is/are)

15. Fifty miles a long distance. (is/are)

16. Thirty years a long time. (is/are)

17. One of the books been missing. (has/have)

18. The poor suffering. (is/are)

19. You should decide which one of the three choices A, B, or C best the question.

(answer/answers)

20. One of the most intelligent students who full marks John. (score/scores)

(is/are)

21. The only one of these most intelligent students who under 18 Peter. (is/are)

(is/are)

22. One of these most intelligent students whose example followed John. (is being/are being)

(is/are)


- 53 -

TENSES

Simple Present Simple Past Simple Future

I study English everyday.

Two years ago, I studied English in England.

If you are having problems, I will help you study English.

I am going to study English

next year.

Present Continuous Past Continuous Future Continuous

I am studying English now.

I was studying English when

you called yesterday.

I will be studying English when you arrive tonight.

Present Perfect Past Perfect Future Perfect

I have studied English in

several different countries.

I had studied a little English before I moved to the U.S.

I will have studied every tense by the time I finish

this course.

Present Perfect Continuous Past Perfect Continuous Future Perfect Continuous

I have been studying English

for five years.

I had been studying English for five years before I moved

to the U.S.

I will have been studying English for over two hours by the time you arrive.


- 54 -

EXERCISE I

1. You look really great! (You, exercise) at the fitness center?

2. A: What (you, do) when the accident occurred?

B: I (try) to change a light bulb that had burnt out.

3. I (have) the same car for more than ten years. I'm thinking about buying a new one.

4. If it (snow) this weekend, we (go) skiing near Lake Tahoe. 5. A: What do you call people who work in libraries?

B: They (call) librarians. 6. I came to England six months ago. I started my economics course three months ago. When I

return to Australia, I (study) for nine months and I (be)

in England for exactly one year.

7. Sam (arrive) in San Diego a week ago.

8. Samantha (live) in Berlin for more than two years. In fact, she (live) there when the Berlin wall came down.

9. If Vera (keep) drinking, she (lose, eventually) her job. 10. The Maya established a very advanced civilization in the jungles of the Yucatan; however, their

culture (disappear, virtually) by the time Europeans first (arrive) in the New World.

11. Shhhhh! Be quiet! John (sleep) .

12. It (rain) all week. I hope it stops by Saturday because I want to go to the beach.


- 55 -

13. Listen Donna, I don't care if you (miss) the bus this morning. You (be) late to work too many times. You are fired!

14. I am sick of rain and bad weather! Hopefully, when we (wake) up tomorrow morning,

the sun (shine) .

15. I have not traveled much yet; however, I (visit) the Grand Canyon and San Francisco by the time I leave the United States.

16. I (see) many pictures of the pyramids before I went to Egypt. Pictures of the monuments are very misleading. The pyramids are actually quite small.

17. In the last hundred years, traveling (become) much easier and very comfortable. In

the 19th century, it (take) two or three months to cross North America by covered wagon.

The trip (be) very rough and often dangerous. Things (change) a great deal in the last hundred and fifty years. Now you can fly from New York to Los Angeles in a matter of hours.

18. Joseph's English (improve, really) , isn't it? He (watch)

American television programs and (study) his grammar every day since he first arrived in San Diego. Soon he will be totally fluent.

19. When I (arrive) home last night, I discovered that Jane (prepare) a beautiful candle-lit dinner.

20. If you (need) to contact me sometime next week, I (stay) at the Sheraton in San Francisco. EXERCISE II

1. When Carol (call) last night, I (watch) my favorite show on television.

2. I (work) for this company for more than thirty years, and I intend to stay here until I retire!


- 56 -

3. Sharon (love) to travel. She (go) abroad almost every summer. Next year, she plans to go to Peru.

4. Thomas is an author. He (write) mystery novels and travel memoirs. He (write)

since he was twenty-eight. Altogether, he (write) seven novels, three collections of short stories and a book of poetry.

5. We were late because we had some car problems. By the time we (get) to the train

station, Susan (wait) for us for more than two hours.

6. Sam (try) to change a light bulb when he (slip) and (fell) .

7. Everyday I (wake) up at 6 o'clock, (eat) breakfast at 7 o'clock and

(leave) for work at 8 o'clock. However, this morning I (get) up at 6:30,

(skip) breakfast and (leave) for work late because I (forget)

to set my alarm.

8. Right now, Jim (read) the newspaper and Kathy (make) dinner. Last

night at this time, they (do) the same thing. She (cook) and he (read)

the newspaper. Tomorrow at this time, they (do, also) the

same thing. She (prepare) dinner and he (read) . They are very predictable people!

9. By this time next summer, you (complete) your studies and (find)

a job. I, on the other hand, (accomplish, not) anything. I

(study, still) and you (work) in some new high paying job.

10. The students (be, usually) taught by Mrs. Monty. However, this week they (be)

taught by Mr. Tanzer.


- 57 -

11. Jane talks on the phone. Bob has been talking on the phone for an hour. Mary is talking on the phone.

Who is not necessarily on the phone now? 12. I'm going to make dinner for Frank. I'm making dinner for Judy. I'll make dinner for Mary. I make dinner for Ted. I will be making dinner for Tony.

Who are you offering to make dinner for? 13. Jane left when Tim arrived. Bob left when Tim had arrived. Tim arrived when Mary was leaving. John had left when Tim arrived. After Tim arrived, Frank left.

Who did not run into Tim? 14. Jane is talking in class. Bob always talks in class. Mary is always talking in class.

Whose action bothers you? 15. Jane never left Jamestown. Bob has never left Jamestown.

Who is still alive?

accent neutralizationv2.0

Documents