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

A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, clauses or sentences. The consonant contrast /t/ and /s/ is the difference in sound between word pairs such as sin and tin.

Behavioural objectives

1. Pronounce and tell apart the sounds /s/ and /t/ in pairs of words.
2. Define a conjunction.
3. Name the three kinds of conjunctions.
4. Identify co-ordinating, correlating and subordinating conjunctions in sentences.
5. Use conjunctions to join words, phrases, clauses and sentences.

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

The contrast between /t/ and /s/ is the change of meaning that happens when one of these consonants replaces the other in a word.

How is each sound made?

• /t/: the tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth, blocks the air, then releases it in a short puff.
• /s/: the tongue tip stays close to the same ridge without blocking the air, so air flows out with a hissing sound.
• Voicing: both sounds are voiceless, so the vocal cords do not vibrate.

Which word pairs contrast /s/ and /t/?

These pairs are alike except for the first consonant. Say each pair aloud and listen to the difference.

Which pairs contrast the sounds at the end of a word?

How should students practise?

1. Say the /s/ word, then the /t/ word, slowly.
2. Hold the /s/ sound for a moment, then stop the air sharply for /t/.
3. Say each pair faster, keeping the two sounds clear.
4. Read this sentence aloud: Tom sat on the seat.

What is a conjunction?

A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, clauses and sentences.

• Word: a single unit of language, such as “tea” or “bread”.
• Phrase: a group of words without a subject and verb together, such as “in the market”.
• Clause: a group of words with a subject and a verb, such as “she slept”.

What are examples of conjunctions in sentences?

1. He was slow but he was brilliant.
2. She woke early because she slept on time.
3. I will do it if I can.
4. He swept the floor while I swept the compound.
5. Let’s start now so that we’re sure to have enough time.
6. You can go out as long as you come back early.
7. I walk as though I’m a millionaire.

What are the kinds of conjunctions?

There are three kinds of conjunctions: co-ordinating, correlating and subordinating conjunctions.

What are co-ordinating conjunctions?

Co-ordinating conjunctions join words, phrases or clauses of equal rank.

• And: adds one idea to another.
• But: shows contrast.
• Or: shows a choice.
• Nor: adds a second negative idea.
• So: shows a result.
• Yet: shows contrast, like “but”.
• For: gives a reason.

Examples:

1. She spoke impressively at the meeting and won the appreciation of all.
2. I offered to help her but she refused my help.
3. I must try hard for there is stiff competition.
4. He is not my friend nor my relative.

What are correlating conjunctions?

Correlating conjunctions are pairs of words that join items which complement one another.

• Both … and: joins two items together.
• Neither … nor: denies two items.
• Not only … but also: adds a second point with emphasis.
• Either … or: gives a choice between two items.

Examples:

1. He both prays and preaches.
2. This is neither boring nor fascinating.
3. Neither the man nor the woman is here.
4. She is not only brilliant but also well-behaved.
5. He plays both guitar and piano.

What are subordinating conjunctions?

Subordinating conjunctions join a main clause to a subordinate clause, and they are also called subordinators.

• Main clause: a clause that makes complete sense alone.
• Subordinate clause: a clause that depends on the main clause for its meaning.

Common subordinating conjunctions: after, although, unless, as, because, before, when, provided, whenever, if, until and in case.

What is the difference between co-ordinating and subordinating conjunctions?

Evaluation

1. Write out five words for each of the sounds /s/ and /t/.
2. Define a conjunction.
3. Name the three kinds of conjunctions.
4. Pick out the conjunction in “She is not only brilliant but also well-behaved” and name its kind.
5. New Oxford English Course Book 3, page 119, Exercise 8, questions 1 to 5.

Assignment

Write out the five word pairs that show the consonant contrast between /t/ and /s/, and practise saying them aloud.