English pronunciation: stage 2 (intensive)

What is the course about?

The aim of this intensive course is to further improve your ability to communicate fluently and effectively in
spoken English. We will continue to focus on how specific changes to the positions of the speech organs will result in a more accurate articulation of ‘problematic’ sounds, and on clarity of speech.

What will we cover?

Revision of ‘challenging’ simple vowel and consonant sounds.
Detailed study of the articulation of diphthongs and associated triphthongs.
Reduction in grammatical words (use of strong form/weak form) as part of revision of the neutral vowel.
Word-stress and sentence-stress, rhythm, sense and breath groupings, intonation and fluency.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Be easily understood when communicating with native English speakers by using sentence-stress
effectively.
Demonstrate intention and attitude through the use of appropriate intonation patterns.
Demonstrate fluency through the correct application of the weak form of grammatical words.
Identify those compound vowel sounds of Standard English/RP (Received Pronunciation) which are
problematic for you and articulate them with accuracy.
Recognise all the phonetic symbols from the International Phonetic Alphabet relevant to English, and apply this knowledge when using an English Pronunciation (phonetic) dictionary.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for you if you have completed English Pronunciation Stage 1 at this college. You may
also enrol if you can distinguish between long and short vowel sounds, and have a thorough knowledge of Phonetics. You must be able to speak English fluently, communicate in group situations and be prepared to act upon constructive feedback.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Speak English fluently.
• Communicate in group situations.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Read and respond to a range of texts.
• Take course notes for your own use.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
Speak English fluently.
Communicate in group situations.
Give and receive constructive feedback.
Read and respond to a range of texts.
Take course notes for your own use.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The articulation process of each sound is explained and demonstrated by the tutor. Diphthongs and associated triphthongs are practised through repetition of words containing these sounds – both group and
individual work. Repetition of sentences based on each sound – and also contrasting specific sounds.

Prepared readings of both set texts and students’ own choice. You must expect to do about an hour’s homework in preparation for the class the next day.

As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Students use the same course notes/hand-outs as for Stage 1, plus additional material supplied by the tutor. You need to provide a folder to keep the handouts; pen and paper and a hand mirror.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

English Pronunciation Stage 3 in the autumn term- discuss with your tutor.