Listening: Understanding Natural Connected Speech (Very Basic) A1 - Lesson 1: Recognizing Common Contractions (I'm, you're, it's) in Slow Speech

Connected Speech A1

Short & Sweet: Contractions

Lesson Goals

• Understand that English speakers "shorten" words.
• Recognize "I'm", "You're", and "It's".
• Hear the difference between full and short forms.

What is a Contraction?

In spoken English, we often combine two words into one. It is faster and more natural. It is like snapping two puzzle pieces together!

1. I am -> I'm

I + am ➔ I'm

• Full: "I am a student." (Slow)
• Short: "I'm a student." (Fast)

2. You are -> You're

You + are ➔ You're

• Full: "You are happy."
• Short: "You're happy."

3. It is -> It's

It + is ➔ It's

• Full: "It is hot today."
• Short: "It's hot today."

Tip: The Apostrophe (')

When we write a contraction, we use a small mark called an apostrophe ('). It shows where letters are missing.

Example: I am -> I'm (The 'a' is gone!)

Practice Activity: Full or Short?

Listen to the audio. Did the speaker say the Full Form (2 words) or the Contraction (1 word)?

1. "I am hungry" OR "I'm hungry"?
2. "It is late" OR "It's late"?
3. "You are nice" OR "You're nice"?

Vocabulary List

• Contraction (noun) /kənˈtrækʃn/ [ពាក្យកាត់] - A shortened form of a word or words (e.g., I'm).
• I'm /aɪm/ [ខ្ញុំគឺ] - Short for "I am".
• You're /jʊər/ [អ្នកគឺ] - Short for "You are". Sounds like "your".
• It's /ɪts/ [វាគឺ] - Short for "It is". Sounds like "its".

Your Mission 🎙️

Record yourself saying these sentences using contractions. Try to be smooth!

1. Hello, I'm [Your Name].
2. It's a nice day.
3. You're my friend.