They sound so different! Do they still mean the same thing?

Definitely! Let me think of another example for you. Ah, here's one! Robert, say "example".

"Example".

Now you say it, Pam!

"Example".

And if tell you I'm "dancing in the classroom", Pam will tell you she's "dancing in the classroom".

How do people understand each other when words are pronounced so differently?

The more you hear different accents, the easier it is to catch on.

Would you like a glass of water before class starts?

That would be very nice.Thank you. Robert, how would you ask me that?

I would say "Would you like a glass of water before class starts?"

Let's go everyone. We've only got 10 minutes!

Exercise 6 Listen to the sentences and decide whether they are spoken in an American accent (A) or a British accent (B).
1. Would you like a glass of water?
2. She's dancing in the classroom.
3. Let me give you an example.
4. I like to eat tomatoes.