Some of the words from the story 'Rani Abbakka' are given in the table below. Work in pairs and pronounce these words by referring to the notes given below. Emphasise the highlighted syllable. Remember, single syllable (monosyllabic) words do not have any stress.
| Words | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. vassal (n) | va-sul (two syllables) | The /a/ sound in va is similar to van. The word vassal rhymes with apple. |
| 2. successor (n) | suhk·seh·suh (three syllables) | The /r/ sound in the end of the word is not pronounced. |
| 3. rash (adj.) | rash (monosyllabic) | The /a/ sound is similar to rat. |
| 4. league (n) | leeg (monosyllabic) | Use the long-ee sound, as in see d. |
| 5. wrath (n) | roth (monosyllabic) | The -w is silent. |
| 6. seize (v) | seez (monosyllabic) | Not to be confused with 'size'. |
| 7. resolve (n) | ri-zolv (two syllables) | The -s becomes the /z/ sound. |
Students should practice pronouncing these words correctly:
Vassal (VA-sul, rhymes with apple), successor (suk-SES-suh, with silent r at end).
Rash (rash, like rat), league (leeg, long ee sound), wrath (roth, silent w), seize (seez, not 'size').
Resolve (ri-ZOLV, with z sound for s).
Explanation
This pronunciation exercise helps students correctly articulate key vocabulary from the chapter. The notes guide students on stress patterns (highlighted syllables), silent letters (w in wrath, r at end of successor), and common pronunciation errors (seize vs size).
Solution Steps
Practice pronouncing vocabulary words correctly
Vassal: VA-sul, rhymes with apple
Successor: suk-SES-suh, with silent r at end
Rash: pronounced like rat
League: leeg, long ee sound
Wrath: roth, silent w
Seize: seez, not 'size'
Resolve: ri-ZOLV, z sound for s