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LISTEN |
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/ɪ/.../ɪ/.../ɪ/.../ɪ/...
sit...pick...listen...middle... |
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WHAT IS IT? |
Pronunciation:
The sound /ɪ/ is a high, front, lax vowel.
The sound /ɪ/ is a high, front, lax vowel.
- Lift your tongue to the top of your mouth.
- Spread your lips wide, like a smile.
- Let your tongue relax
- Breathe out and let your vocal cords vibrate.
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This vowel is usually stressed, as in these words:
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However, /ɪ/ can also be unstressed. In an unstressed syllable, /ɪ/ is pronounced quickly and softly.
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Spelling:
- "i" - it, little
- "y" - symbol, mystery
- "u" - busy, business
- "ui" - build, biscuit
Grammar Tip:
The sound /ɪ/ occurs in the common prefixes “im-“ and “in-“. These prefixes usually occur at the beginning of a verb or adjective. The vowel /ɪ/ is usually unstressed in the prefix, though not always.
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COMPARE |
Compare /ɪ/ with /iy/:
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/ɪ/.../iy/.../ɪ/.../iy/.../ɪ/.../iy/...
These are both high, front vowels. However, /ɪ/ is pronounced with a relaxed tongue and /iy/ is pronounced with a tense tongue. |
You can hear the difference between /ɪ/ and /iy/ in these words.
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1. A. bit, B. beat
2. A. grin, B. green 3. A. pill, B. peel 4. A. litter, B. leader 5. A. risen, B. reason 6. A. filling, B. feeling |
Practice recognizing words with /ɪ/ and /iy/ by taking the quiz below.
Now, compare /ɪ/ with /ɛ/:
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/ɪ/…/ɛ/…/ɪ/…/ɛ/…/ɪ/…/ɛ/…
These are both lax, front vowels. However, /ɪ/ is a high vowel, and /ɛ/ is a mid vowel. |
You can hear the difference between /ɪ/ and /ɛ/ in these words.
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1. A. sit, B. set
2. A. lift, B. left 4. A. pin, B. pen 5. A. fill, B. fell 3. A. listen, B. lesson 6. A. bitter, B. better |
Practice recognizing words with /ɪ/ and /ɛ/ by taking the quiz below.
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PRACTICE |
Listen and repeat these words:

words_with_-i-.mp3 | |
File Size: | 535 kb |
File Type: | mp3 |
1. slip
2. fit 3. sick 4. pig 5. miss 6. give 7. lift 8. sin 9. limb 10. fill |
11. slipper
12. blister 13. mitten 14. artist 15. pity 16. winter 17. important 18. convince 19. distribute 20. invisible |
Now, practice /ɪ/ in sentences. Say the words first, then the sentences.
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1. visit - sister – sit - kitchen
When I visit my sister, we sit in the kitchen. 2. sick – picking – mittens I’m sick of picking up your mittens. 3. lip – sipping – milk I burned my lip by sipping hot milk. 4. river - isn't - swim - in The river isn't deep enough to swim in. 5. list – picks - film Can you list your top picks for best film? 6. city – visitor’s – sixth We’re at the city visitor’s center on Sixth Street. |
To practice with different varieties of English, choose another native English speaker by clicking one of the links below:
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USE It! |
Practice the task below. Then, record yourself completing that task. Give your recording to a teacher or an English-speaking friend for feedback.
Prepare:
What can you do on a cold winter day? Choose 3 things you'd want to do.
Prepare:
What can you do on a cold winter day? Choose 3 things you'd want to do.
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- Build an igloo or snow fort
- Stay inside and listen to music
- Decorate for Christmas
- Visit friends
- Search for interesting icicles
- Sip a hot drink
- Build a snowman
- Make gifts for friends
- Go downhill skiing
- Go ice fishing
- Discover decorating ideas on Pinterest
- Learn how to knit
Record:
Imagine that you’re telling a roommate or family member what you should do together on a winter day. In your recording, present a plan for the day with 3 ideas from the list. Explain each idea with details.
©2018-2021, Christine Wingate

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