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Pronunciation Practice Worksheet

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Pronunciation Practice Worksheet

You are preparing a short audio guide for visitors to Aotearoa. Your goal is clear, connected te reo Māori—not an English accent imitation. Read the reference notes first, then use them to analyse and practise the words and phrases. Say the speaking tasks aloud if you can; written answers are supplied as examples, not as a judgement of your own voice.

Quick reference: hear the shape of the word

Te reo Māori has five vowels: a, e, i, o, u. As a rough guide, their sounds are like the vowels in father, bed, machine, thought and fluent. A macron marks a long vowel: ā, ē, ī, ō, ū. Hold it longer than its short counterpart while keeping the vowel quality clear. The digraph ng represents one sound, as in the middle of “singer”; it can occur at the start of a Māori word. Wh is pronounced differently across iwi and dialects; an f-like sound is common in many places, while other pronunciations are also used. The Māori r is a light tap, not an English r. Keep syllables clear and join them smoothly. For pronunciation of a particular place or person’s name, follow the speaker’s own pronunciation.

Ari is recording a welcome for visitors. They want to say each word clearly, keep the vowels distinct, and avoid inserting pauses inside a word. Use the reference notes to coach the recording—not to decide that one community’s pronunciation is the only valid one.

1.Match each feature with the best description. Write the letter beside each number.

1. ng
2. Macron
3. Māori r
4. Wh

D. Pronunciation varies by dialect; an f-like sound is common in many places
A. A vowel is held longer
B. A light tap, not an English r
C. One sound, as in “singer”

2.Which pair differs because the first word has a long ā and the second has a short a?

kā / ka
ki / kē
mo / mū
rā / rū

3.Ari is practising the beginning of ngā. Which note best matches the reference?

ng is one sound, like the ng in “singer,” and can begin a word.
ng is always two separate sounds: n followed by g.
ng is silent at the beginning of a word.
ng is pronounced like the English j sound.

4.The macron in kōrero signals that the ō is held longer than a short o; it does not mean the speaker should change to a different vowel sound.

TrueFalse

5.A draft audio caption says, “Wh always sounds exactly like English f everywhere.” Rewrite it as a more accurate, respectful note using the reference.

6.Add hyphens between the syllables in manaakitanga. Then state how many syllables you counted.

7.Ari says, “I’ll make tūrangawaewae clearer by keeping its syllables distinct and joining them smoothly.” Is this consistent with the reference notes? Explain briefly.

8.Choose one word from this set—whānau, kōrero, waiata, aroha. Write a two-step practice plan that targets one sound or vowel feature and then improves the word’s flow. Include the word you chose.

9.Practise this sentence aloud: “He kōrero pai tāku.” First say it carefully, then say it again at a natural pace. Write one specific thing you would listen for in a recording of your second take.

10.Complete both parts: (a) “My clearest pronunciation feature today was…” (b) “In my next practice, I will…” Choose a specific feature such as vowel length, clear syllables, a light r, or smooth phrasing.