Word Stress, Vowels, Linking, Intonation, Schwa
Pronunciation Lessons
This web site, from the Language Center of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, offers lessons on a wide variety of pronunciation issues including word stress, intonation, using the "schwa", rhythm and linking. There are also Quicktime files that offer audio minimal pair comparison and usage in sentences. However, this is British English and the audio is too quiet and fuzzy. Best viewed with Internet Explorer."-ed" endings
The "-ed" endings
Regular verbs, used in the past tense or with the past participle, usually have the letters "-ed" added to the end of the infinitive form. But there are 3 (or 4) DIFFERENT sounds these letters can produce, depending on the sounds that come before them, /d/, /t/, and /id/. Here are some rules for using the sounds.A Web Site offering Audio Comparisons of "-ed" endings from E.L. Easton's "Authentic American Pronunciation"
At this web page click on the words in bold, and a voice version of the word can be heard. Also at this site (see legend on left side) more listening practice, and a quiz, plus links to more "-ed" info. Explore this site for more pronunciation ideas and support.A Web Site that allows you to practice these "-ed" endings
Here's a Quia interactive activity that allows you to check your accuracy at identifying the "-ed" sound at the end of twenty words. If you make a mistake, the quiz will correct you and keep your score.