Understanding the 'e' Vowel Sounds

This video tutorial focuses on the pronunciation of the E vowel sound in American English. It explains how to articulate the stressed and unstressed versions of the E vowel, highlighting the differences in jaw movement, tongue position, and pitch. The tutorial provides close-up and slow-motion demonstrations to aid understanding. It also includes example words to practice the pronunciation of both stressed and unstressed E vowels.

What is the initial position of the tongue when pronouncing the 'e' vowel as in 'bed'?

• The tongue tip touches the back of the bottom front teeth.

• The tongue is curled upwards.

• The tongue is retracted and low.

• The tongue is pressed against the roof of the mouth.

In a stressed syllable, how does the voice behave when pronouncing the 'e' vowel?

• The voice rises sharply.

• The voice falls sharply.

• The voice has a little curve up then down.

• The voice remains flat.

Which word is used as an example of the 'e' vowel in a stressed syllable?

• Desk

• Said

• Enter

• Employ

How does the 'e' vowel sound in an unstressed syllable compared to a stressed one?

• It is more nasal.

• It is longer and more pronounced.

• It is lower and flatter in pitch.

• It is higher and louder.

Which word is used as an example of the 'e' vowel in an unstressed syllable?

• Employ

• Embrace

• Red

• Said

What is a key difference between the stressed and unstressed 'e' vowel?

• The jaw drops more for the stressed vowel.

• The stressed vowel is shorter.

• The unstressed vowel has a higher pitch.

• The tongue is more relaxed in the stressed vowel.

Why is the unstressed 'e' vowel shorter than the stressed one?

• There isn't enough time to make the full jaw drop.

• The tongue is positioned differently.

• The voice is louder.

• The vowel is pronounced with more force.

Which of the following words contains a stressed 'e' vowel?

• Employ

• Red

• Embrace

• Enter

Which of the following words contains an unstressed 'e' vowel?

• Never

• Embody

• Desk

• Said

What is the correct pronunciation of the 'e' vowel in the word 'desk'?

• It is pronounced with a high pitch.

• It is pronounced with a low pitch.

• It is pronounced with a flat pitch.

• It is pronounced with a rising pitch.