ESOL Speaking and Pronunciation

Question 1

What are minimal pairs?

Accepted Answer

Two words differing by only one sound, like 'ship' and 'sheep'

Answer

Words with same meaning

Answer

Words with same spelling

Answer

Words from the same family

Question 2

What is word stress in English?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizing one syllable more than others

Answer

Speaking louder throughout

Answer

Pausing before each word

Answer

Spelling with capitals

Question 3

What is the schwa sound?

Accepted Answer

The most common unstressed vowel sound /ə/ in English

Answer

A type of consonant

Answer

A silent letter

Answer

A sound only in British English

Question 4

What strategies improve English fluency?

Accepted Answer

Regular practice, shadowing native speakers, thinking in English

Answer

Only studying grammar

Answer

Memorizing lists without speaking

Answer

Waiting until perfect

Question 5

What is the difference between voiced and voiceless consonants?

Accepted Answer

Voiced use vocal cord vibration (b,d,g); voiceless do not (p,t,k)

Answer

No difference

Answer

Voiced are louder

Answer

Voiceless are never used

Question 6

Why is sentence stress important?

Accepted Answer

It highlights the most important information and can change meaning

Answer

No effect on communication

Answer

Only matters in presentations

Answer

Same as word stress