56

p (p)

The p (p) sound is made by closing the mouthand pushing the lips apart. The teeth are apartbut not shown. The tongue is in the middle ofthe mouth. Air is blown through quickly.

Hint: P (p) sounds like b (b), but with air.Note: In the International Phonetic Alphabet, the p (p) sound ispronounced: p

consonant

57

parrot (p r t)

A parrot is a tropicalbird with brightly-coloredfeathers and a hookedbeak. Some parrots canmimic human speech.

pencil (pen s l)

A pencil is a writing toolmade of wood with agraphite center.

piano (p yan )

A piano is a large, woodenmusical instrument withblack and white keys in thefront connected to strings inthe back.

58

q[u] (kw)

The q[u] (kw) sound is made by brieflypuckering the lips to form a small circle, thenletting the mouth open a bit. The teeth areslightly apart, but not shown. The sides of thetongue touch the top back teeth. Air is blownthrough quickly.

Hint: Q is always followed by u (except in somenames), which is why it has the (kw) sound.Note: In the International Phonetic Alphabet, the q[u] (kw) soundis pronounced: kw

consonant

59

quail (kw l)

A quail is a speckledgame bird with a plumeon its head. When eaten,it tastes like chicken.

quartet (kwor tet )

A quartet is a group offour, usually referring tomusicians.

queen (kw n)

A queen is the wife of aking and the royal femalehead of a monarchy.

60

r (r)

The r (r) sound is made by opening the mouthand pushing the lips outward to form an oval,while gently biting their edges. The teeth areslightly apart, with more of the top than thebottom front teeth shown. The tongue is in themiddle of the mouth.Note: In the International Phonetic Alphabet, the r (r) sound ispronounced: r

consonant

61

rainbow (r n b )

A rainbow is an archof brilliant colors formedwhen the sun shinesthrough light rain.

robot (r bot)

A robot is a machine madeto look and act like a person.It is programmed to do tasks.

rose (r z)

A rose is a sweet-smellingflower which grows on a bushwith thorny stems.