Task 1. Explain the difference between the following terms used to describe vowels:

a. monophtongs/diphthongs- in monophtongs the quality of the vowel is relatively steady

throught its duration; in diphthongs it changes considerably between the first and the second
element.

b. front/back
c. short/long
d. close/open (high/low)
e. tense/lax
f. rounded/unrounded

Task 2. Complete the following table. Mark the positive answer with a plus and the negative answer
with a minus.

Features

English only

Polish only

both English and Polish

length

roundness

tensing

backness

Task 3. The words below differ in terms of one vowel only. Define the difference.

a. sleep/slip

b. said/sad

c. ten/ton

d. turn/ten

Task 4. Compare the pronunciation of vowels in the words given below:

English Polish

sick

syk

E /

I/ is slightly higher and more front that P/i /

lack

lek

peak

pik

lark

lak

Task 5. Write the symbols for the diphtongs In the following words:

tone

way

hair

style

beer

why

out

coil

they

home

cow

bait

Task 6. What is the phonetic value of the letter ‘a’ in these words?

hate /eI/

man

many

what

water

again

hare

last