OLD vs ALD — Pronunciation & Practice (Level 3)
1. Word List
OLD (clear O sound)
- old
- cold
- bold
- golden
- moldy
- hold
- fold
- sold
- told
- scold
2. Pronunciation Mini-Lesson
Important idea: These words look similar, but the vowel sound changes.
OLD words
The vowel sounds like the name of the letter O.
Examples: old, cold, bold
Say: /oʊ/ + ld
ALD words
The vowel is open and flat, like “ah.”
Examples: bald, scald
Say: /ɑ/ + ld
Mouth check:
OLD → lips round
ALD → mouth open
3. Practice
A. Matching
1. cold
2. bald
3. moldy
4. scalding
B. Cloze
Word bank: cold · bald · scalding · old
1. The soup is
.
2. My grandfather is very
.
3. It is
outside today.
4. The man is
and wears a hat.
C. Pronunciation Sort
cold
bald
bold
scald
D. Speaking / Discussion
- Is it better to be cold or too hot? Why?
- Do you know someone who is bald?
- What food becomes moldy quickly?