Original supplementary worksheet written for The Articulate Method website.
Mark sentence chunks before you speak
Thought groups are meaningful chunks of speech. Use a slash to mark a possible boundary before reading aloud. Boundaries depend on meaning and emphasis; there is not always one correct answer.
Learning objective
Practise preparing sentences in meaningful groups so your speech sounds clearer, calmer, and easier to follow.
Your entries are cleared when you leave or refresh this page.
Worked example
Before we begin / I’d like to explain the goal / and answer your questions.
Instruction: The slash marks one possible boundary between meaningful groups.
Mark the sentences
Insert slash marks where a light boundary could help the listener follow the meaning.
Use your own sentence
Instruction: Mark it, read it aloud, then repeat naturally. Keep words connected within each group.
Thought-Group Marking Practice questions
What is a thought group?
A thought group is a meaningful chunk of speech. It helps the listener follow one idea before you move to the next.
Is there one correct place to mark each slash?
Not always. The best boundary depends on meaning, emphasis, and how you want the listener to hear the sentence.
How should I practise after marking?
Read the sentence slowly once, then conversationally. Keep words connected inside each group and pause lightly between groups.
Suggested YouTube description addition
Practise this skill with the free Thought-Group Marking Practice resource: https://articulatemethod.com/resources/thought-group-marking-practice