Chapter: 11. Limericks
Language Lab: Self-Learning Explanation
The “Language Lab” section helps you practice saying specific sounds correctly! This time, we’re focusing on two sounds that can sometimes be tricky: the /b/ sound and the /f/ sound.
How to Practice /b/ and /f/ Sounds by Yourself:
Listen Carefully: First, listen closely to how the words with /b/ (like berry, ban, bale, bile) and words with /f/ (like ferry, fan, fail, file) are said. Notice the slight difference. Feel the Difference (Silent Practice): For the /b/ sound: Put your lips together, like you’re about to make a “p” sound, but then quickly push air out while vibrating your vocal cords (you can feel this if you put your hand on your throat). It’s a quick burst! Try saying “b-b-b-ball.” For the /f/ sound: Gently rest your top front teeth on your bottom lip. Now, blow air out through the small gap. You shouldn’t feel your vocal cords vibrate (your throat won’t rumble). Try saying “f-f-f-fish.” Use a Mirror: Stand in front of a mirror and watch your mouth as you say the words. For /b/, your lips will close completely for a moment before opening. For /f/, your top teeth will touch your bottom lip. Practice Aloud: Say each word slowly, focusing on making the correct sound. Then say them a bit faster. B-words: berry, ban, bale, bile F-words: ferry, fan, fail, file Mix Them Up: Try saying a /b/ word followed by an /f/ word, and vice versa (e.g., “ban-fan,” “file-bile”). This helps your mouth get used to switching between the sounds. Read and Listen: As you read other stories or listen to English, try to spot words with /b/ and /f/ and practice saying them. The more you practice, the easier it will become! Language Lab: Answers to Exercises
B. Now, choose the correct word from the box on the previous page to fill in the blanks.
(Words to choose from: berry, ban, bale, bile, ferry, fan, fail, file)
Nita did well on the test. She did not the test. Nita did well on the test. She did not fail the test. The smell of is coming from the chemicals factory. The smell of bile is coming from the chemicals factory. The on that film has been lifted. The ban on that film has been lifted. We crossed the river on a . We crossed the river on a ferry. This red is very tasty and healthy. This red berry is very tasty and healthy. I cannot find the with the papers in it. I cannot find the file with the papers in it. 
Language Lab - Textbook