Unit Two: Pronunciation Exercise – /b/ and /p/ Sounds for ESL Learners
Unit Two: Pronunciation Exercise – /b/ and /p/ Sounds
الوحدة الثانية: تمرين النطق – الأصوات /b/ و /p/
Pronunciation is one of the most important skills for young English learners. In Unit Two, Page 18, students focus on the /b/ and /p/ sounds. This exercise helps learners understand the difference between voiced and voiceless bilabial plosives, improve articulation, and practice real-life English words.
What Are /b/ and /p/ Sounds?
- /b/ – Voiced Bilabial Plosive: Produced by closing both lips and vibrating the vocal cords. Examples: ball, boy, rubber.
صوت /b/ مع اهتزاز في الحبال الصوتية - /p/ – Voiceless Bilabial Plosive: Produced by closing both lips and releasing a puff of air without vibration. Examples: pen, push, paper.
صوت /p/ بدون اهتزاز، مع نفخة هواء
Understanding the difference between /b/ and /p/ is essential for pronunciation accuracy and communication.
Exercise Instructions
Students should write five examples of words for each sound:
- /b/ sound words (voiced)
- /p/ sound words (voiceless)
Then click the Check My Answers & Show Examples button to compare with suggested answers.
Suggested Words
/b/ Examples
- Ball
- Big
- Boy
- Rubber
- Rob
/p/ Examples
- Pen
- Paper
- Push
- Happy
- Stop
Teacher Tips
- Use real objects in class (balls, pens, paper) to demonstrate sounds.
- Ask students to place their hands on their throat for /b/ (voiced) and notice the vibration.
- Practice /p/ with a strong puff of air, showing it is voiceless.
- Encourage repetition in short bursts for fluency.
- Use the interactive online exercise to make it engaging and self-checking.
Student Practice Strategies
- Say each word aloud slowly, focusing on lip movement and voice vibration.
- Record yourself and compare with correct pronunciation.
- Try grouping words with similar sounds together for memory reinforcement.
- Use these words in short sentences to practice natural speaking.
Common Student Mistakes
- Confusing /b/ and /p/ (saying “pat” instead of “bat”).
الخلط بين /b/ و /p/ - Not vibrating the vocal cords for /b/.
- Using too weak a puff of air for /p/.
- Spelling errors when writing words for each sound.
Conclusion
Mastering the /b/ and /p/ sounds is essential for clear English pronunciation. By practicing both speaking and writing, students develop accuracy and confidence. Teachers can use interactive exercises, real objects, and guided repetition to make the lesson engaging and effective.
Pronunciation Exercise
Exercise 2: Give five examples for /b/ and /p/ sounds.
Practice your articulation!
Voiced Bilabial Plosive
"Vibration in vocal cords"
Suggested Answers:
- ✓ Ball
- ✓ Big
- ✓ Boy
- ✓ Rubber
- ✓ Rob
Voiceless Bilabial Plosive
"Puff of air, no vibration"
Suggested Answers:
- ✓ Pen
- ✓ Paper
- ✓ Push
- ✓ Happy
- ✓ Stop