EXERCISE 5*: Practise using phonetic symbols by finding these words in your dictionary. Be sure to check the correct pronunciation of these words by saying them aloud to your instructor.

A)*

caption schedule Brayon route rout cough bough house cent gerbil

B)*

gentian crepe fraught pupa Languedoc harass juxtaposition chintz

5. ACCENT MARKS

Take a closer look at the phonetic symbols for the word “ferret”. Notice the position of a mark (´) next to ´fer t. This is called an accent mark and tells you to put a little more stress on the syllable that follows the accent mark than on the other syllables. You say FERret. It is not pronounced ferrET.

Exercise 6*: Look up these words and pay special attention to the accent.

A)

prefer preference refer reference produce(fruits/vegetables) produce (to make)

B)

Pronounce the words above for your instructor.

6. PARTS OF SPEECH

The next piece of information the dictionary gives you about a word is its part of speech. Don’t worry if you don’t know these terms yet. Just be aware that the short forms printed in italics are useful. Here’s a simple explanation. Some words like “light” can be used in several different places in a sentence.

The light is not bright enough. (noun-naming a thing)

I always light the oil lamp when power goes off. (verb-shows an action)

Mary usually decorates in a light, airy style.(adjective- describes something)