Make a phonetic transcription of the following prose passage. Transcribe your own speech as you would naturally read this text. Use the phonetic symbols I've taught you. It might be helpful to consult this website on British and American vowels. Due Thursday 16 December.
Why do I receive catalogues devoted exclusively to salsa, equestrian gear, electric grills, extra-large clothes, extra-small clothes, tours to sites at which UFOs have landed, and resin reproductions of medieval gargoyles? Do these companies know something about me that I don't know?
From Anne Fadiman, Ex Libris, (NY: Farrar, 1998): pp. 114-115.