Speech Work: Consonant Contrast /z/ and /s/ – JSS3 English Lesson Note (Second Term)

Consonant contrast /z/ and /s/ is the practice of telling two similar consonant sounds apart in pairs of words, such as tens and tense or seize and cease.

This note also covers article writing and the use of prefixes and suffixes.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. pronounce and contrast the /z/ and /s/ words in the pairs listed;
2. use a dictionary to identify the position of the /z/ and /s/ sounds in given words;
3. write an article with a clear title, an introductory paragraph, points in logical order and formal language;
4. explain what prefixes and suffixes are and give examples of each.

Speech work: what is the contrast between /z/ and /s/?

The contrast between /z/ and /s/ is the difference between a voiced and a voiceless consonant made in the same place in the mouth.

What is the /z/ sound?

• Type: a voiced consonant, so the vocal cords vibrate.
• Test: put your fingers on your throat and say “zzz”. You feel a buzz.
• Examples: zeal, please, knees, graze.

What is the /s/ sound?

• Type: a voiceless consonant, so the vocal cords do not vibrate.
• Test: put your fingers on your throat and say “sss”. You feel no buzz.
• Examples: seal, police, niece, grace.

How do /z/ and /s/ words contrast in pairs?

Practise each pair of words below. The word in the first column contains /z/. The word in the second column has /s/.

How do you practise the contrast?

1. Say the /z/ word slowly and feel the buzz in your throat.
2. Say the /s/ word and check that there is no buzz.
3. Repeat the pair three times, then say each word in a short sentence.
4. Check the pronunciation of any doubtful word in a good dictionary.

What spelling clues help with /z/ and /s/?

• The letter s can sound /z/: in knees, trays and grows, the final s is pronounced /z/.
• The letter z is usually /z/: as in zeal, amaze and graze.
• The letters ce can sound /s/: as in fence, dense, niece and grace.
• The letter x can sound /gz/: in examine, the sound /z/ comes in the middle of the word.

Where can the sound come in a word?

• Initial position: the sound begins the word, as in zeal and seal.
• Medial position: the sound is in the middle, as in crazy and disband.
• Final position: the sound ends the word, as in amaze and case.

Composition: what is an article?

An article is a complete piece of writing on an issue of public interest. It usually contains the views or opinions of its writer on a specific issue or topic.

How is an article different from a letter to the editor?

A letter to the editor is a letter sent to a newspaper to give a view. An article is a piece written for publication in a newspaper or magazine.

When you are asked to write an article for a newspaper or magazine, do not write a letter to the editor.

How do you write a good article?

A good article is judged on four things: content, organisation, expression and style.

Content

• Cover the question: write on all aspects of the question to earn a good mark.
• Stay relevant: every point must relate to the question.

Organisation

1. Write the title of the article clearly at the top.
2. Write an introductory paragraph that gives your readers an insight into your topic.
3. Present your points in a logical order.
4. Develop your paragraphs adequately.
5. Write your name and class at the end of your article.

Expression

• Formal language: use formal language, since you are writing for the public.

Style

• Expository prose: an article calls for clear explanation.
• Simple sentences: write in simple, straightforward sentences.
• No slang: avoid slang.
• Vocabulary: choose your words carefully for effect.

Grammar: what are prefixes and suffixes?

Prefixes and suffixes are word elements added to a base or root word to form another word.

What is a prefix?

A prefix is a word element added to the beginning of a base or root word to give another word.

• Word class: prefixes do not generally change the word class of the base or root.
• Meaning: prefixes do change the meaning of the word.

Examples of prefixes:

1. re (again) + build (base or root word) = rebuild
2. un (not) + fair (base or root word) = unfair
3. un + educated = uneducated
4. dis + qualify = disqualify
5. under + developed = underdeveloped

What is a suffix?

A suffix is a word element added to the end of a base or root word to give another word.

• Word class: suffixes frequently change the word class and the word function.
• Spelling: the spelling of the base may change, as in happy to happiness.

Examples of suffixes and the change they make:

What is the difference between a prefix and a suffix?

Evaluation

1. Use a good dictionary to find the pronunciation of these words. Identify the position of the /z/ sound in each: amaze, crazy, husband, cousin, whose, vows, dessert, surprise, examine.
2. Identify the position of the /s/ sound in each of these words: Swiss, disband, fancy, case, circle, scheme, psalm, sent, parcel, snuff.
3. There has been an outbreak of an epidemic in your area. Write an article for publication in a health magazine stating the causes and effects, and suggesting what could be done to check it.
4. Form new words by adding a prefix to each: fair, build, qualify. Then add a suffix to each: happy, care, teach.
5. Do New Oxford English Course Book 3 (JSS), page 96, Exercise 1, questions i to x.

Assignment

Write an article for publication in one of the national newspapers on the dangers of vandalising petroleum pipelines in your country.

Then do New Oxford English Course for JSS 3, page 96, Exercises 2 and 3.