English Language Writing Skills

By Danso Kwasi Nti Samuel (DAS). Study the complete course source, examine every model and practise alongside Professor Jarvis.

Course printed page 11 PDF page 17 of 505

For tables, matching columns, IPA and original formatting, open the course PDF above.

Producing Diphthongs in Context (Centring and Closing)

Diphthongs are complex vowel sounds that begin with one vowel sound and glide into

another within the same syllable. In English, there are two main types of diphthongs:

centring diphthongs and closing diphthongs.

Centring Diphthongs

Centring diphthongs glide towards the /ə/ sound. They are centring since /ə/ is a central

vowel.

1. /ɪə/ - as in fear, near, dear

 Example: She has a fear of heights.

2. /eə/- as in hair, bear, care

 Example: The bear is in the forest.

3. /ʊə/ - as in tour, sure, cure

 Example: They went on a tour of the city.

In Context:

"He is near the chair." (focusing on /ɪə/ and /eə/ sounds)

"Are you sure this is pure?" (focusing on /ʊə/ sound)

Closing Diphthongs:

Closing diphthongs glide towards the /ɪ/ or /ʊ/ sounds.

1. /eɪ/- as in play, day, stay

  Example: The children love to play outside.

2. /aɪ/ - as in fly, high, my

 Example: The kite flew high in the sky.