TASK I: FEATURES OF SPOKEN ENGLISH 1. You are required to work individually 2.

Search the internet and other reading materials and print out at least two relevant articles for the following: a) Pronunciation b) Stress c) Rhythm d) Intonation e) Public speaking f) Characteristics of a good speaker 3. Read, highlight and present the main ideas of each the article in the form of a graphic organisers.

a) PRONUNCIATION Article 1: http://www.wordhacker.com/en/article/what_is_good_pronunciation.htm

level 1: poeple do not understand what you want to say. You use the wrong sounds in English words.

3 level of English pronunciation

level 3: people understand you, and your English is pleasant to listen to

level 2: people understand what you want to say, but it is unpleasant to listen to you

Article 2: http://www.wordhacker.com/en/article/english_pronunciation_tips.htm

Tip 1: do not confuse pronunciation of words with their spelling. Eg. threw and through, although spelled differently, are pronounced the same. Also, identical letters or letter clusters in words do not always produce the same sound. Eg.ough in though and through re[resents a different sound in each word. Learn to practice what you hear, not what you see.

English
pronunciation tips

Tip 2: imagine a sound in your mind before you say it. Try to visualise the positioning of your mouth and face. Think about how you are going to make the sound.

Tip 3: listen to and try to imitate each word. In addition to listening for specific sounds, pay attention to pauses, the intonation of the declaimers voice and pattern of emphasis. This can be just as important as the pronunciation of sounds.

Tip 4: the English language has many different dialects, and words can be pronounced differently. It is important however that you pronounce words clearly to ensure effective communication.

Tip 5: practice what you are learning. Remember that you are teaching your mouth a new way to move. You are building muscles that you do not use in your own language. It is like going to the gym and exercising your body.

b) STRESS Article 1: http://esl.about.com/library/weekly/blinter_course_aa110997.htm

Stress

Namely, English is considered a stressed language while many other languages

are considered syllabic. In English, we give stress to certain words while other words are quickly spoken (some student say eaten). In other languages, such as French or Italian, each syllable receives equal importance (there is stress but each syllable has its own length). Many speakers of syllable languages dont understand why we quickly speak, or swallow, a number of words in sentence. In syllabic languages, each syllable has equal importance, and therefore equal time is needed. English however, spends more time on specific stressed words while quickly gliding over the others, less important words.

Non-stressed words are Stressed words are considered content words such as: Nouns kitchen, Peter (most) principle verbs visit, construct considered function words such as: Determiner the, a Auxiliary verbs dont, were Prepositions before, next to Conjunctions but, while Pronouns they, she

Adjectives beautiful,
interesting Adverbs often, carefully

Article 2: http://course.cug.edu.cn/cug/eng_language/chpt9/9-3-3.htm In English words of two syllable, one is usually altered slightly louder, higher, held for slightly longer, or otherwise uttered slightly more forceful than the other syllable in the same word, when the word is said in normal circumstances. This syllable is called stressen syllable. For example in the word kitten, kit is the stressed syllable while ten is the unstressed syllable. In addition to stress within an individual word, when we put words together in utterances we stress some more strongly than others. Where someone puts the stress depends partly on what they thinks is the most important

information in their utterance, and pertly on the inherent stress in words.

Stress

Traditionally, to work out the stress of a poem, first of all you need to work out the number of syllable in each line, as in this example from the play Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare. There a ten syllables in this line and the bold ones are the stressed syllables. (the stressed syllables may be different according to different understandings of the line.) a ten syllables like this, which has stress on alternate syllables and starts with an unstressed syllable, is a very specific and popular form in English poetry known as iambic pentameter. For saints have hands that pilgrims hands do touch (ex. 9 -14)

Article 3: http://poewar.com/rhythm-and-stress/

SENTENCES STRESS As well as stress patterns within individual words, we have stress at sentence level. Usually the words that are emphasized when we speak are those that contain new or important information. Consider how would say Im going to London in a neutral context. Now imagine your deaf aunt

keeps getting the wrong end of the stick. First she thinks your
mother is making the journey. You will find that the same phrase will be pronounced differently in each case, with the emphasis on the word, I, going, London. Stress WORD STRESS The stress on a words moves according to the context rather than meaning or grammatical function. Consider the word princess. Usually the stress falls on the second syllable, for example in the expression the little princess, but when it is used as a title princess Alice, the stress is at the beginning.

c) RHYTHM Article 1: http://www.pbs.org/standarddeviantstv/transcript_public.html

Rhythm

Rhythm is the sense of movement or pacing within a speech. A good way to create a sense of rhythm is through repetition. While repetition can be overdone, its a

good idea to repeat your purpose as you go through the body of your speech.
Repetition helps emphasizes your key points, enhances the audiences ability to remember, and helps a listener understand the overall structure of your speech.

Another way to create rhythm is through parallel wording. Parallel wording is when the speaker uses a word patter thats easy for the audience to anticipate. Parallel wording is easy to recognise and creates a rhythm that moves the speech forward.

Another rhythmic device is antithesis. Antithesis is the pairing of opposites within a

speech, usually to suggest a choice between the two of them. It flows off the tongue, moves the speech forward and makes a point.

Article 2: http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/articles/rhythm

Rhythm

Rhythm is both a feature and product of the phonological structure of

English is a very rhythmical language, so that a learner who can maintain the rhythm of the language is more likely to sound both natural and fluent.

The two components of the system which have the greatest influence on rhythm are sentence stress and the various features of connected speech.

English. The phonology of

any language is a system, so that a change in one part of the system will affect some or all of the other parts.

CONNECTED SPEECH The most common features of connected speech are the weak forms of grammatical and some lexical words (and, to, have) and contractions, some which are acceptable in written English (cant, wont). However, we often ignore other features which preserve rhythm and make the language sound natural. The most common of these are :

Elision (losing sounds)

Linking (adding or joining sounds between words) Assimilation (changing sounds) Uses of schwa ( the most common vowel sound in English)

d) INTONATION Article 1: http://www.talkenglish.com/ExtraLessons/Intonation.aspx INTONATION

Many people from different countries

To correct improper intonation, you need to

You can fix your intonation with only a little effort. If you have a friend who is a native English speaker, you can usually fix intonation in a couple of lessons.

have improper
intonation because their teacher had improper intonation. In many situations, being monotone is better than having bad intonation. The worst is when

remember to start high

and end low. You cannot do it any other way. Go to the interview section and listening to one of the audio files provided by native speaker. You will hear the proper intonation. After listening

someone goes up
and down too much on every word. Another thing you should avoid is to end high at the end of the sentence.

to the audio, record

yourself and listen to it. If it is does not sounds the same, find the areas that are dissimilar and make the necessary corrections.

Recording and
listening to yourself might be tedious, but having correct intonation can go a long way.

Article 2: http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/articles/intonation

INTONATION : is about how we say things, rather than what we say. Without it, its impossible to understand the expressions and thoughts that go with words.

Features: Divided into phrases (tone-units) The pitch moves up and down within a pitch range In each tone unit, the pitch syllables known as the tonicsyllable. (usually a high-content word, near the end of the unit)

Purpose of teaching intonation: Awareness of intonation aids communication Incorrect intonation can result in misunderstandings, speakers losing interest or even

movement takes places on the most

taking offence

Intonation and attitude: The first thing for leaners to recognise the effect of intonation changes. The word bananas-firstly with an interested intonation, then uninterested. Students identify the two and describe the difference. Then brainstorm attitudes such as bored, and surprise. This can be developed by asking students to greet everybody with a

particular attitude. At the end, the class identify each persons attitude.

e) PUBLIC SPEAKING Article 1: http://relache.hubpages.com/hub/public-speaking-tips IMPROVE YOUR PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS Breathe dont be afraid to pause or just take a breath

Those long awkward silences we think we have fallen into are in fact only about 2-3 seconds and the audience does not think you have stopped or gotten lost. Most of the time, they will not even register those pauses.

Make an outline for

Having the outline helps keep your presentation on track so of thought. You dont want to actually read a speech, as your audience doesnt want to look at the top of your head while you talk to your chest. Dont be afraid of losing your train of thought and having to check your notes. Remember at the presentation that the audience presumes you are the expert. If you act confident, they really will believe you are.

yourself and print it out you dont ramble off and prompts you if you lose your train in type larger than usual print size, so that its easy to read at just a glance Own what you know

Make eye contact

Slowly scan across the audience and look people in the eyes as you talk. A good audience gives energy back to you and participates when you demonstrates a friendly presence, so invite them in. this is also how you can see if your information is being comprehended, and helps you spot people with questions.

Practice your speech ahead of time

Talking to others, hearing yourself run over the presentation can really help you feel more comfortable with it and iron out any awkward spots, as our ears are really smart and will catch stuff that sounds off. Some people tape record themselves and listen to it . Its better to run short time for questions than to have the audience derail the presentation. Sometimes for longer presentations, you might want to pause after key section
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Take all questions at the end so that you can get through the

material you intend to present

and ask for question then. Dont be afraid to tell some their question will be answered by material you have yet to talk about, or ask them if you can take it at the end id that works better for you.

Dont freak out heavily on timing

If you time the presentation at home, in can run shorter when you actually give it. Its better to take off your watch and put it where you can see it, or find a clock you can see while you speak than keep looking at your watch during your presentation. Bring along a friend or ask a colleague to give you time signals during your talk from the back where no one will see them doing it.

Be mindful of nervous habits

Twirling hair, playing with a necklace, bracelets and the audience will be distracted by the movement and watch your behaviour thus losing the presentation part. Dont wear clothing or jewellery that will make noises as you speak.

If you find yourself about to say um or oh just close your mouth, take a breath and think what you need to say next Bring water along if you might get thirsty, and have some tissues in a pocket

Not saying any sounds more professional than thinking aloud. One of the best way to work on this is to tape record yourself giving your speech or presentation and then listen to yourself talk

There is nothing so uncomfortable during a presentation like having a dry mouth or having to sneeze and not being able to take care of yourself. Have the water in container that is hard to spill but not hard to drink from and take very small snips when you do. That way you dont run the risk of coughing on a mouth full of water or giving yourself hiccups.

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Article 2: http://www.media-training.info/Public-Speaking-Articles/6-Traits-That-MakeA-Great-Professional-Speaker.html TRAITS THAT MAKES A PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER

Your attitude speaks through

why are you presenting this information? Are you here because it's a job requirement or a way to make money? The attitude you take concerning the material you present will show through in your presentation

Your passion communicates more than you'll ever see

passion brings aprofessional speaker's material to life for their audience. your audience will know if you are passionate about what you're speaking about or not. moreover, they will need to draw on your passion to mave them into taking action

Your ability to empathize with the needs and wants of your audience

you must have an ability to respond in a split second to the needs of your audience. you have to start interacting with your audience to get a feel for their hearts and minds are concerning your message.

Your ability to make your message easy to understand and implement

The easier your solution is, the easier it will be for your audience to take the action you're recommending in your presentation

Your physical energy communicates the passion and life in your message

you've got to make your audience excited about what you'll be presenting. This requires having the physical energy to rev up your audience as you speaks excitedly, move about the room excitedly and present your material in an exciting manner.

You must love in order to become a success

a general love for what you do, the topics you speaks on and the people ypu're speaking to are needed elements to your speaking career.

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f) CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD SPEAKER Article 1: http://www.sooperarticles.com/business-articles/entrepreneurshiparticles/speaking-characteristics-good-speaker-40868.html

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD SPEAKER

Confident and Funny

Don't fidget around with your hands, hair or any equiptment on the speaker's table add audience bonuses if you throw in a few funny punch lines out of the blue. this makes the audience feel a little more comfortable with you as well as gives you time to think and pace out as they laugh. don't be too serious. keep alight mood during speaking so you won't feel nervous.

Organized and Responsible

No speaker should come to an event without being prepared. speaking requires a lot of energy, planning and research, especially if you're not as familiar with the subject. learn why your audience is there listening to your speech, know their wants and goals. Be responsible enough to research on important things that will help make your speaking a success. avoid being late to events as this ensures major negative points to you as a speaker, everyone will be hating you already as soon you step onto the stage.

Determined and Full of Passion

to make an effect on your audience while speaking, you have to be determined to make your point. Use various methods to pass your message onto your audience and use passion to get them hookes. Be convincing with your passion for the subject and earn respect for your dedication.

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Article 2: http://top7business.com/?Top-7-Characteristics-of-GreatSpeakers&id=10761 TOP 7 CHARACTERISTICS OF GREAT SPEAKERS

Authoritative top-calibre speakers strikes you as authoritative. Mastery may or may not include academic degrees in that area. Primary, mastery results from wide reading, research, interviewing experts, and learning through professional associations, not because you have an overwhelming urge to learn all you can. Attitude outstanding speakers avoid saying they are going to deliver a speech. That sounds too bland and routine. Instead, they visualize having a dinner conversation with friends, when youd share your ideas naturally, with no pretence. Audience if the speaker focuses too much on herself and the impression she is making, she will become unnerved by a simple mispronunciation, and will lose confident and poise. They find ways to involve audiences, creating interactive sessions, involving attendees in discussions, and directing meaningful small group activities. Animation vary your voice in pitch, rate, and volume, just as you do in casual chit chat. Gesture freely, naturally, without rehearsed motions. Anecdotes as long as you can remember, stories grabbed you, and wouldn't let go until you had heard all of the fables. As adults, we still respond to intriguing stories. People learn from and remember the anecdotes, not your statistics. Paint word pictures. Create a you are there sensation. Appearance speakers need to look like professional when they face audiences. Your audiences want you to dress a level above their garb, just to indicate respects for them and the situation. Atypical you dont have to fit a mould that seems right for most other presenters.

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TASK 2 : PREPARING SPEECH 1. Based on the ideas that you get from the articles above, prepare a speech of any topic you choose of not less than five minutes (in written form) 2. Record your speech on an audio tape or CD-ROM.

Bullying Around Us

Assalamualaikum and a very good morning. Today, I would like to share something with you all. My stomach hurts and I have headaches every day. The girls are spreading rumours and telling secrets, and it just doesnt feel right to me. Is there something wrong with me? Or am I really what they say I am? Could I be a victim of bullying? As you may have noticed my speech is about bullying, so lets get started. Have you ever been bullied? Has it happened to your peers or have you just seen or heard about it on TV? Many people have different opinions on what bullying is. Some say it is kicking or hitting someone, others say its when you say mean things or call someone names. All of these things are correct, as they are different ways you can be bullied. However, they are not the official definition of bullying. Everyone has a different opinion. So do me. To be honest, bullying is just like a disease because you dont make it happen and it does not just go away overnight. Bullying even makes you feel like you are sick or something is wrong with you! This, however, isnt true at all. It is not your fault if you get bullied. Did you know that 900 thousand children get bullied every day in Canada? Out of 5.2 million students! That means that 1 out of 5 students get bullied every day! And people say that Canadians are too nice to be bullies! Many people are unaware of the bullying that happens around them. That just shows how bad it is.
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Here are some myths and facts about bullying: Myth number 1: Bullying is just a stage, a normal part of life. However, fact is bullying is not a normal or socially acceptable behaviour. We only give bullies power by our acceptance of this behaviours. Myth number 2: If I tell someone, it will just make it worse. Fact is: Research shows that bullying will stop when adults in authority and peers get involved. Myth number 3:Just stand up for yourself and hit them back. Fact however is: While there are some times when people can be forced to defend themselves, hitting back usually makes the bullying worse and increases the risk for serious physical harm. Myth number 4: Bullying is a school problem, the teachers should handle it. Fact is: Bullying is a broader social problem that happens everywhere. Myth number 5: People are born bullies. Fact is: Bullying is a learned behaviour and behaviours can be changed. Okay, you are probably wondering what the different types of bullying are? Statistics show that there are six different types of bullying, which is Physical, Verbal, Indirect, social Alienation, intimidation and last but not least Cyber Bullying. Verbal Bullying is the most common because it is not as easily noticed as physical is. Talk about how horrible this is! Think if you were the target or the person that got bullied! Bullies bully because it makes them feel better than everyone else! Also they do it because they have been bullied at some point in life and feel like they need revenge. A bully can be a person that is big or someone small; it just depends on what type of bullying we are talking about. Sometimes teenagers and older students bring guns to school to kill bully but end up injuring many others too. Some people that have been bullied all their life decided to leave their old life because they dont appreciate it and commit suicide. Suicide! That just shows how out- of- hand this can get, bullying is that serious! You may think now how can you stop bullying when you can barely see it happening! I mean how are you supposed to put an end to it when it goes on 24/7?
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The best way for you to make a start is to talk to your friends and have a discussion in your class and make a set of rules to put an end to it. Then present the idea to your whole school. The next step is to create an Anti-Bullying team so you can end bullying at your school. As a conclusion, bullying is so bad that it can end up with dying and killing others which shows exactly how serious and bad this is! Remember everything I have told you today and you will not be a bully or not be afraid to stand up for yourself! Just be strong, keep your head up high and do your best to stop bullying once and for all! Remember, school Bullying is everyones business! Thank you for listening.

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TASK 3: WRITTEN REFLECTION 1. Write an individual reflection in about 100 words on the activity. In the reflection, discuss the strengths and weakness of your activity and how it helps you improves your English.

This assignment requires us to search for the relevant articles, mostly features of spoken English. That includes pronunciation, stress, rhythm, intonation public speaking and lastly characteristics of a good speaker. After that, we are requiring to present the main ideas in the form of graphic organisers. This is easy since we have to only print out the chosen articles. To convert it to form of graphic organiser is a difficult one. We have to choose the right form of graphic, arrange it and make it look nice in that order. Fortunately, this difficult one yet slow, we can take our time to understand more the main points since we are typing it ourselves. We can chose to just copy and paste it but, when we type it back, we remember the whole thing that we type. This is useful when doing the task 2 that is preparing the speech. In that way also, it can helps improves our English. Next thing is when we record our self-speaking on that speech, then we play it again, we can note our mistakes. Our pronunciation also is can be corrected through this way. The bad thing is when this assignment is given nearly on the holiday. This make us cannot divide our time well. Along the holiday, nobody will go on their assignments. Most of us did it before the holiday and continue it after the holiday. Maybe the lecture can consider later on assignments can be give after the holiday.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

1- http://www.wordhacker.com/en/article/english_pronunciation_tips.htm 2- http://www.wordhacker.com/en/article/what_is_good_pronunciation.htm 3- http://poewar.com/rhythm-and-stress/ 4- http://www.pbs.org/standarddeviantstv/transcript_public.html 5- http://www.media-training.info/Public-Speaking-Articles/6-Traits-That-Make-AGreat-Professional-Speaker.html 6- http://top7business.com/?Top-7-Characteristics-of-Great-Speakers&id=10761 7- http://esl.about.com/library/weekly/blinter_course_aa110997.htm 8- http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/articles/rhythm 9- http://course.cug.edu.cn/cug/eng_language/chpt9/9-3-3.htm 10- http://www.talkenglish.com/ExtraLessons/Intonation.aspx 11- http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/articles/intonation 12- http://relache.hubpages.com/hub/public-speaking-tips 13- http://www.sooperarticles.com/business-articles/entrepreneurshiparticles/speaking-characteristics-good-speaker-40868.html

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APPENDICES

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