Speaking Fluency & Pronunciation Flashcards

At CLB 9, what speaking fluency characteristics distinguish from CLB 6?

Answer: Fluent complex speech on abstract topics with natural rhythm, appropriate pacing, and minimal word search disruption

CLB 9 speakers maintain fluent, sustained speech on complex abstract topics with natural rhythm and minimal hesitation.

What role does 'intonation' play in English pronunciation?

Answer: Intonation conveys meaning including questions vs statements, emphasis, attitude, and new vs known information

Intonation — pitch rise and fall — distinguishes questions from statements, indicates emphasis, expresses attitudes, and signals new information.

Which minimal pair is commonly problematic for many CLB learners?

Answer: think/sink (th/s distinction)

The think/sink pair is challenging because the 'th' sound doesn't exist in most other languages.

How does the CLB approach differ from traditional 'accent reduction' programs?

Answer: CLB focuses on intelligibility and communicative effectiveness rather than eliminating first language accent

CLB targets high-priority pronunciation features for intelligibility rather than trying to eliminate all non-native features.

What is a 'discourse marker' and how does it contribute to speaking fluency?

Answer: A word like 'however' or 'so' that organizes speech and signals relationships between ideas

Discourse markers organize speech, signal transitions, and show relationships between ideas, contributing to fluency and coherence.

At CLB 4, what pronunciation support can a speaker expect from a patient listener?

Answer: The listener may ask for repetition, use context to clarify, and be patient with slower speech

At CLB 4, communication requires cooperative effort including listener patience, repetition requests, and context use.