Lesson 2: Diphthongs and Triphthongs

🟦 Introduction

In English, not all vowel sounds are steady and single like the pure vowels. Some sounds glide from one vowel to another within the same syllable. These are called diphthongs and triphthongs.

In WASSCE Paper 3, you’ll often be tested on how well you can recognize and distinguish these gliding vowel sounds in listening tests or oral-based multiple choice questions. Let’s break down what they are and how you can master them.

🟩 Key Concepts and Explanations

1. What is a Diphthong?

A diphthong is a single vowel sound that begins with one vowel and glides into another within the same syllable. Your mouth changes position slightly as you say it.

🗣️ Example:

• /aɪ/ as in time – your tongue starts low and moves up.

• /eɪ/ as in day – starts mid and moves upward.

✅ Tip: Even though a diphthong has two parts, it’s still one sound.

2. The 8 English Diphthongs (RP)

3. What is a Triphthong?

A triphthong is a glide that moves across three vowel positions in quick succession—within one syllable. It’s more complex and requires control of your tongue and lips.

🗣️ Example:

• /aɪə/ in fire

• /aʊə/ in power

✅ Tip: Triphthongs are formed by combining a diphthong + schwa (/ə/).

4. Common English Triphthongs

5. Diphthong and Triphthong Recognition Tips

✅ For Listening Practice:

• Diphthongs sound like “sliding” vowels. Try exaggerating them slowly, then speed up.

• Triphthongs sound like quick “waves” of three vowel sounds—practice with mirror work and listening apps.

✅ For WASSCE Exams:

• Identify the main vowel sound. Eliminate options with clearly different vowel glides.

• Use the keyword method: if the word sounds like a word you know (e.g. go = /əʊ/), you can guess the diphthong.

🧭 Step-by-Step Sample Walkthrough

Question: Choose the word that contains the diphthong /aɪ/:
A. moon
B. high
C. town
D. bear

Step 1: Say each word aloud

• moon = /uː/

• high = /haɪ/

• town = /aʊ/

• bear = /eə/

Step 2: Identify the target sound

• /aɪ/ = glide from “a” to “ee” sound

✅ Correct Answer: B. high

🟨 Practice Exercises

Exercise A: Identify the Diphthong or Triphthong

Write the IPA symbol for the vowel sound in the underlined part:

1. toy → __________

2. home → __________

3. now → __________

4. care → __________

5. player → __________

6. royal → __________

✅ Answers

1. /ɔɪ/

2. /əʊ/

3. /aʊ/

4. /eə/

5. /eɪə/

6. /ɔɪə/

Exercise B: WASSCE-Style Multiple Choice

Choose the word with a different vowel sound from the rest.

A. game
B. name
C. said
D. same
👉 Answer: C. said (it contains /e/; others have /eɪ/)

A. round
B. clown
C. found
D. flow
👉 Answer: D. flow (it contains /əʊ/; others have /aʊ/)

A. dear
B. fear
C. care
D. hear
👉 Answer: C. care (contains /eə/, others have /ɪə/)

🔁 Recap

In this lesson, you learned that:

• A diphthong is a vowel glide made of two parts, like /aɪ/ in time

• A triphthong is a three-part vowel glide, like /aɪə/ in fire

• These sounds are essential for clear pronunciation and are tested in WASSCE Oral English

• Recognizing these sounds requires careful listening and practice

🪞Reflection Prompt

Can you think of five English words that contain diphthongs and triphthongs? Say them out loud and try writing their IPA symbols. Which glide sounds feel easy or hard for you to pronounce clearly?