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Pronunciation Guide
FREE LISTENING WORKSHEET · APG

How to pronounce 20 science words

Listen, notice one detail, and say the word in a phrase.

Open the guide & listening notes →Take the interactive quiz →

Videos and full notes: https://ipronounce.io/guides/science-terms

Name: ________________________　 Date: __________________

A five-word listening round

  1. Choose five words below. Open each linked word and play its APG video.
  2. Write one sound observation: the strongest syllable, a silent letter, a consonant connection, or a variant you hear.
  3. Say the original practice phrase, then write and say your own sentence.
  4. Read the word’s listening note and compare it with your observation. Repeat any word you want to revisit.
Your listening record — choose five, then return for another round
Word & videoPractice phraseWhat I hear / my sentence
algaeAlgae covered the surface of the pond.
anemometerThe anemometer measured the wind speed.
atmosphereThe spacecraft entered the atmosphere.
biologyShe is taking a biology course.
catalystThe chemist added a catalyst to the mixture.
chemistryWe met in chemistry class.
ecologyThe research examines the ecology of the wetland.
hypothesisThe experiment tested her hypothesis.
moleculeThe model represents a water molecule.
temperatureThe temperature dropped overnight.
botanyI'm taking a botany class.
empiricalThe argument needs empirical support.
hydrogenThe laboratory stores hydrogen in marked cylinders.
iodineThe sample was tested for iodine.
laboratoryShe works in a research laboratory.
heliumThe balloon was filled with helium.
molybdenumThe report lists the alloy's molybdenum content.
phosphorusThe soil test measured phosphorus levels.
quantumHe is studying quantum mechanics.
zoologyThe museum has a zoology collection.

Test your pronunciation knowledge

Choose one answer for each question. The answer key includes explanations and source links.

  1. What sound does ch have at the start of “chemistry”?

    1. k
    2. sh
    3. The ch in chair

  2. How many syllables can “temperature” have?

    1. Only two
    2. Three and four
    3. Only five

  3. Which consonants sit together after the stressed vowel in “molybdenum”?

    1. p and t
    2. s and k
    3. b and d

  4. How many syllables does “helium” have?

    1. Three
    2. One
    3. Five
Show the answer key

Open this section before printing to include the answers.

  1. A. k “Chemistry” begins with k and stresses the first syllable. The later s-t-r sequence stays connected.

    Source: CMU Pronouncing Dictionary

  2. B. Three and four “Temperature” has a shorter three-syllable pronunciation and a fuller four-syllable pronunciation. Both have first-syllable primary stress.

    Source: CMU Pronouncing Dictionary

  3. C. b and d “Molybdenum” has b followed by d after the stressed short i vowel. Keep those consonants together without inserting an extra vowel.

    Source: CMU Pronouncing Dictionary

  4. A. Three “Helium” has three vowel beats. The first is strongest, and the final two vowels are separate and lighter.

    Source: CMU Pronouncing Dictionary

Sources & reuse

The pronunciation notes are based on the dictionary sources linked from each word page. Practice phrases and exercises are original APG learning material, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Credit American Pronunciation Guide and keep the source links when adapting this worksheet. Videos and reference quotations retain their own terms.

Full sources & credits →