Speaking Prompts
Read the prompt, listen to the audio, then record your voice. Focus on PIE — pronunciation, intonation, and expression — to clearly show the meaning of similar-sounding or same-looking words.
Nail vs Nail
She had one nail that chipped right after hammering in a nail to hang a frame. While hammering, the nail bent slightly causing the other nail to chip. So, she decided to pull out the nail, then grab the polish to, once again, fix the chipped nail.
PIE SPEAK: Nail - Same spelling and sound, different meaning.
Pronunciation
Finger or toe part = NAYL (noun)
To fasten with metal = NAYL (verb)
Intonation Practice
She broke her NAYL yesterday.
He used a NAYL to hang the picture.
File your NAYLS gently.
Hammer the NAYL straight.
Expression Tip
Even though they sound the same, your listener depends on the sentence for meaning.