This Vowel Sounds /ʊ/ and /uː/ pronunciation lesson provides explanation and practice of the minimal pairs /ʊ/ & /uː/. It begins with an explanation of the sounds based on the sound duration, tongue, mouth, and lip position. Next, the lesson focuses on common spellings for each sound before looking at some more unusual spellings. There is also a section on the /j/ sound (/juː/), which often precedes the /uː/ sound.
There are various exercises throughout, including listening, to give students plenty of practice in identifying and pronouncing words containing the sounds.
We have a teacher’s copy (including teacher’s notes and an answer key) and a student version, which you can email to your class for online lessons.
Note that this is quite an intensive lesson, and as such, you may want to break it up over two classes.
This lesson comes with:
Listening Materials – Includes audio files for comprehension practice.
Teacher’s Copy – Includes detailed teacher’s notes and an answer key.
Student Version – Perfect for sharing via email for online lessons.
This is most suited to B1/B2– level.
1.5 hours + (depending on level).
Why teach this Vowel Sounds /ʊ/ and /uː/ pronunciation lesson?
Teaching the vowel sounds /ʊ/ and /uː/ is essential for improving learners’ pronunciation, listening comprehension, and overall intelligibility in English. These two vowel sounds are often confused by ESL students because they are similar in placement but differ in length and mouth position, such as in the words good (/ʊ/) and food (/uː/). Mispronouncing these sounds can lead to misunderstandings or difficulty being understood by others. By helping students hear and produce the difference between /ʊ/ and /uː/, teachers support clearer speech and greater confidence in spoken English. Focused pronunciation practice with these vowels also enhances phonemic awareness and supports better spelling and reading skills.
Try this Vowel Sounds /ʊ/ and /uː/ pronunciation lesson in class today!
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