English Pronunciation in Use Intermediate| Free PDF Download

Hancock – English Pronunciation in Use: An Honest Review

Pronunciation is often a challenging part of learning English. You might know all the grammar rules and a wide vocabulary, but if you can’t pronounce words correctly, it’s hard to be understood. That’s where a book like “English Pronunciation in Use” by Jonathan Hancock comes in. It promises to help you sound more natural and confident.

I’ve had the opportunity to use this series, and I want to share my honest thoughts. Is it a good way to improve your skills, or is it just another workbook? Let’s take a closer look.

What is the “English Pronunciation in Use” series?

“English Pronunciation in Use” is a popular series from Cambridge University Press. It is a comprehensive set of books designed to help learners at different levels improve their pronunciation. The series is known for its clear, easy-to-follow structure, and it always includes a crucial audio component to help you hear the correct sounds. The books are available for different levels, from Elementary to Advanced.

A Deep Dive into the Book’s Methodology

The book’s strength lies in its well-structured and practical approach. It’s designed to be a tool for you to practice effectively.

Comprehensive Coverage

The books in the series cover a variety of topics that are crucial for becoming a more confident speaker, including:

• Individual sounds (vowels and consonants) and their phonetic symbols.

• Word stress and intonation patterns.

• Connected speech and linking sounds.

• Rhythm of English sentences.

• Pronouncing different grammatical endings (e.g., -ed, -s).

The Vital Role of Audio

The book is structured into short units. Each unit has a clear explanation of a pronunciation rule, followed by several exercises. These exercises are not just for reading; they are designed to be used with the included audio. This way, you can practice listening for the sounds and then try to produce them yourself, which is the most effective way to improve. The audio is a key part of the learning process.

Who is this book for?

This series is perfect for learners of all levels. Since there are different books for Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced students, you can find the right one for your needs. It’s ideal for students who have a decent grasp of English but want to sound more natural.

Self-Study vs. Classroom Use

This workbook is excellent for both self-study and classroom use. The lessons are clear, and the exercises reinforce the concepts. For the best results, make sure you use the accompanying audio files to practice your listening and pronunciation skills.

Pros and Cons of the Workbook

Pros:

• Comprehensive: It covers all the major aspects of English pronunciation.

• Audio Included: The audio is a vital component and is easy to access.

• Well-Structured: The units are organized logically and build on each other.

Cons:

• Requires Discipline: It’s a workbook, so you need to be motivated to do the exercises and practice with the audio.

• Can Be Dry: For some, the focus on technical aspects of sounds might not be as engaging as other methods.

Tips for Using this Book Effectively

1. Use the Audio Daily: Don’t just read the book. Listen to the audio and repeat the words and sentences out loud.

2. Focus on Your Weaknesses: If you know you struggle with a specific sound, spend extra time on that unit.

3. Record Yourself: Record yourself speaking and compare your pronunciation to the audio. This is the fastest way to identify what you need to work on.

Where to Buy the Book

You can find this workbook at all major online retailers like Amazon, and in most educational bookstores.