3 phonetics exercises in English

Rhythm: Stress in Acronyms

Americans use acronyms in all spheres of their life. Are you familiar with the following
acronyms? What do they stand for? In what contexts are they used?

LOL
BYOB

AKA
ETA
ETD

FBI
CIA
FDA
SEC
FED

FYI
B2B

What stress pattern can you notice?

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What happens whit the stress pattern when you use an acronym as an adjective?

an LOL comment

an FBI agent

a B2B strategy

What are some acronyms you use at work?

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Intonation: Shifting the focus for meaning

Participant A: Ask the question focusing on the word in bold.

Participant B: Formulate an appropriate answer.

Are you coming with us tomorrow?

Are you coming with us tomorrow?

Are you coming with us tomorrow?

Are you coming with us tomorrow?

Write down a work-related sentence and underline the focus you’ve chosen.

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Write it again, underlining a new focus to change the sentence’s meaning.

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Read both of them out loud. The other participants should explain the differences in their
meaning.

Sounds: / ŋ /
What happens when an n is followed by a g or a k?

youngest – lingering – going – longest – song – banking

Practice the / ŋ / sound reading the dialogue below with a partner. As you read, the rest of
the group should underline or circle your focus words.

What happens with –ng endings in fast or informal speech?

Hint: Check the titles of the songs below.

Livin’ la vida loca

Gimme some lovin’

Nothin’ Shakin’