In this video, Adrian looks at the minimal pair /θ/ and /ð/ and shows us how to make each sound in a simple and effective way while giving advice on how to gain control of the physicality needed to produce each sound.

Tip /θ/ and /ð/ ‘th’ battleships

To help students practise the difference between these two sounds, first of all highlight the difference between voiced and unvoiced sounds which you can learn more about by reading this article from Adrian Underhill’s blog. Then, to add a fun element to class, give your class battleships boards (like the one below) and get them to play battleships by giving the coordinates of the grid using the voiced and unvoiced /θ/ and /ð/ sounds.

For more information on the rules of battleships, click here. (simply replace the row of letters and the column of numbers with your own words)

         

thick

                

earth

                

health

                

fourth

                

path

                

length

                

author

                

thought

                
 

they

mother

though

leather

rhythm

either

clothes

there

Topics

Pronunciation skills with Adrian Underhill