TOEIC Pronunciation Tip: counting syllables with past tense

In verbs that end in t or d the -ed is pronounced as an extra syllable. This is the only time the past tense has an extra syllable.

Examples: project (2 syllables) projected (3 syllables)

plead (1 syllable) pleaded (2 syllables)

In contrast, the following words that do not end in t or d do not add an extra syllable in the past tense.
Examples: wash (1 syllable) washed (1 syllable) delay (2 syllables) delayed (2 syllables)

This tip is taken from Pronunciation in English.

TOEIC Pronunciation Tip: syllables

In English every word has one or more syllables. A syllable always has a vowel sound. Think of the vowel sound as the heart of the syllable.

Examples: good (1 syllable), remarkable (4 syllables), gorgeous (2 syllables)

This tip is taken from Pronunciation in English.

TOEIC Writing Tip: the verb + -ing

The verb + -ing can be used as an adjective, but it has a different meaning from the adjective formed from the verb + -ed. Think of the -ing form as active and -ed form as passive.

Examples: That book was interesting. She was interested in that book.

Get more information on writing from Writing in English.