Pronunciation Practice: S vs Z

Pronunciation Practice: S vs Z

Introduction: The S and Z sounds are often confused by students of English. In this task we will work on some strategies to improve in this area. Follow the instructions in the tasks below.

Task 1: Practice Saying

The sentences below have a mixture of S and Z sounds. One of the hardest things about English is the fact that words are not always pronounced the way they are spelled. In the case of the letter S, it can sometimes be pronounced with an S sound but in many cases it is pronounced with a Z sound. Read the sentences and pronounce all the BLUE letters with an S sound and all of the RED letters with a Z sound.

• Sue saw some zebras at the zoo.

• She says she took many pictures of them because they are so beautiful.

• This breeze feels good. It's much cooler in this area compared to places in other zones.

• My brother plays songs on his guitar but I don't like his music. For me jazz is better.

• These are the last days of summer. Soon the leaves on the trees will change colors and the autumn winds and rains will come.

Task 2: Spot the difference

Take turns saying words from the box below and your partner will listen to determine if you are pronouncing the words with the S or the Z sound. Say the words in random order to test your partner's listening ability.

Task 3: Vibrations or No Vibrations

Many verbs and nouns finish with an S and it is sometimes hard to decide if it should be pronounced with an S sound or a Z sound. There is one very easy strategy to know for sure. Find the sound in the word immediately before the S and say that sound will touching your adam's apple. If the sound has a vibration, you should pronounce the S with a Z sound. If the sound does not produce vibrations, it should be pronounced like an S. 

Spin the wheel to get a word. Pronounce the last sound of the word before the S. Decide if it vibrates or not and how you should pronounce the S.