This lesson will help you improve your pronunciation of unstressed syllables. Begin by listening to the audio and repeat the phrases after the speaker. Then, go through each of the phrases again on your own and read them aloud. The unstressed syllables are underlined. For added practice, record yourself reading the phrases and listen to see if your pronunciation sounds like the audio.

LISTEN

Listen to the audio recording below.

PRACTICE

Introduction
It is important not to stress the unstressed syllables in a word.
Listen to and record examples of the unstressed /ə/ in the words below.
The unstressed syllable is underlined. Compare your recording to the teacher’s.

1. amend
2. president
3. company
4. message
5. economy
6. motivate
7. opposite
8. ago
9. amount
10. television
11. banana
12. arrive
13. question

More Practice
Try these related pages to help you practice unstressed syllables:
Unstressed Syllables Practice B
Unstressed Syllables Practice C

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