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15: The schwa /ə/

Pronounce the following pairs of words, paying particular attention to the unstressed /ə/.

(1) Two-syllable words with weak first syllable and stress on the second syllable:



1 about, again
2 obtain, oppose
3 suppose, suggest
4 forget, forbid
5 perhaps, percent
6 surprise, survey

 

(2) Two-syllable words with weak second syllable and stress on the first syllable:



1

Alan, necklace

2 melon, purpose
3 hundred, open
4 circus, Autumn
5 major, minor
6 eastern, mother
7 eastern, mother
8 nature, creature

 

(3) Three-syllable words with weak second syllable and stress on the first syllable:



1

roundabout

2 customer
3 standardise
4 wonderland
5 yesterday

 

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