What is the schwa sound? There's a sound in English that has its own name: schwa, written /ə/. It's the quick, colourless "uh" that unstressed syllables collapse into — the most common sound in English, and almost always invisible on the page. photograph /ˈfoʊtəɡræf/ vs photography /fəˈtɒɡrəfi/ — the stress moves, and that first syllable's full vowel collapses to schwa the moment it's no longer stressed. Same thing happens mid-sentence, not just in single words: "She's a musician in an orchestra." — not "shun," but "shən"
 You'll also hear it at the end of everyday words like teacher, learner, helper — never a strong "er," always something softer and shorter. 💬 Say "photograph" and "photography" out loud, back to back. Can you feel the stress jump — and the vowel go soft?

🇬🇧This or That? Which do you prefer? ☕ Coffee or 🍵 Tea? Tell us why in one sentence

Good morning. There are a lot of tests today. There is also a presentation, so there is a lot to do. I’m not good at presentations, so I’m very worried. That’s why I was preparing until late last night. I hope everything goes well today. After all the tests and my presentation are finished, I want to relax and get some good rest.

Today, I gave a presentation in class. I was a little nervous before I started, but I did my best. I spoke clearly and explained my topic to my classmates. After I finished, I felt relieved and happy. I think the presentation went well, and it was a good experience that helped improve my speaking skills.

Today is the hottest day in this year. If I go outside, I feel like I will fall down because it is so hot. But everyone who goes to university today is great. I will go too. It is because I am going to Hyogo for Aimyon’s concert today. So I can do my test without worry. After my fourth class, I will take the Shinkansen. It will be a busy day, but I am very excited and happy.

Today I had an English presentation and a test. Before my part-time job, I went to McDonald’s. I ate some food and took a short break. After that, I went to work. I enjoyed talking with my friends during my break. It was a busy day, but I had a good time and felt happy at the end.

Recently, my left ear has not been hearing well. I don’t know the cause, but only my left ear has been ringing all the time, and sounds are distorted. I asked an AI about my symptoms, but it said it could not tell for sure. Since the symptoms have continued for a while, I am going to go to the hospital today or tomorrow. This is the first time I have had a problem with my ears, so I am a little scared. I hope it is nothing serious. Yesterday, I was lucky because my part-time job was not busy. I was also happy because I could eat the staff meal for the first time in a while. Today, I have an English presentation and a test at university. I am not very confident, but I prepared for them, so I will do my best.

Heatstroke is a very scary illness because it can happen quickly to anyone. When your body gets too hot, you can feel dizzy, sick, and weak. In severe cases, it damages your brain, heart, and other internal organs. It can even cause death if you do not get help. Please drink water and stay safe.

Choose the correct answer.