To make the /sp/ sound: This cluster is a combination of the /s/ and /p/ sounds. Begin with the /s/ sound — it should be a voiceless stream of air from your mouth. Be careful not to include an “e” sound before the /s/ begins. As you produce /s/, the tip of your tongue should be close to, but not completely touching, the top of your mouth. To make the /p/, press your upper and lower lips together, briefly stopping the air. Then, release the air. Also be careful not to make a vowel sound like “e” between the /s/ and the /p/. The /p/ should immediately follow the /s/. Sometimes, an /r/ sound may follow /sp/. As you produce the /p/, curl your the tip of your up and back slightly, to make the /r/ immediately after you release the /p/. Sometimes, an /l/ sound may follow /sp/. As you produce the /p/, press the tip of your tongue against the top of your mouth, behind (and not touching) your teeth. Make the /l/ immediately after you release the /p/.