A2 Elementary · Free English Pronunciation Test

Minimal Pairs Pronunciation Test (A2 Elementary)

Ship or sheep, full or fool, cat or cut? Test the vowel pairs that change the meaning of English words. All ten sentences are A2 level, with everyday topics and slightly longer phrases.

A2100% freeTen sentencesInstant scoreBritish & American English
1Listen firstTap the speaker to hear a native model of each sentence.
2Read it aloudTap the microphone and say the sentence clearly at a normal speed.
3See your scoreGreen is clear, amber is almost right, red needs practice.
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Sentence 1 of 10Score so far: –

Tap the microphone and read the sentence.

Your words will appear here as you speak…
0
ClearAlmost rightNot understoodTap any word to hear it

Your result

0out of 100

0clear words
0almost right
0to practise

Words to practise

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About this test

About the Minimal Pairs Pronunciation Test (A2 Elementary)

Minimal pairs are words that differ by only one sound, such as ship and sheep or pull and pool. If you mix the two sounds, the listener may hear a completely different word. This test focuses on the vowel pairs learners confuse most: short and long I, short A and short E, short OO and long OO, and short U. The computer shows you which word it heard.

Why practise this at A2 level

At A2 you already know the everyday words, so this is the right moment to fix habits before they become permanent. The sentences talk about shopping, travel and free time and are a little longer, which helps you keep the sound clear inside a phrase.

How to get it right

  • Look at what was heard under each red word
  • Notice which vowel you used instead
  • Practise the pair slowly, then at normal speed
  • Use the individual vowel tests for extra practice
Common mistakes

Common Mistakes This Test Helps You Fix

01

Making short vowels too long, as in ship and sheep

02

Not opening the mouth enough for the short A

03

Using one U sound for cup, book and food

04

Ignoring vowel length altogether

Inside the test

The Ten Sentences in This Test

Each sentence trains one sound. The orange label above the sentence tells you which one.

01

Short E sound

We visited a big aquarium instead.

02

Short A sound

Thank you for being so understanding.

03

Short A sound

Each year has a different animal.

04

Short E sound

My phone battery was completely dead.

05

Short U sound

Last Friday was my lucky day.

06

Long E sound

I have been sneezing all morning.

07

Short U sound

We got back just before sunset.

08

Long OO sound

We moved here two years ago.

09

Long OO sound

I would like a refund, please.

10

Short OO sound

I cooked lunch for my parents.

How it works

How the Pronunciation Test Works

No downloads and no sign-up. Your browser listens and scores every word in seconds.

1

Listen to the model

Hear each sentence read by a natural British or American voice, at normal speed or slowly.

2

Read it out loud

Tap the microphone and read the sentence. Your words appear on screen as you speak.

3

Get your score

See a score out of 100 with every word in green, amber or red, then practise the red words.

Keep practising

Full Tests with These Sentences

Each sentence above comes from a full ten-sentence pronunciation test. Take the complete test to keep practising.

More free tests

More A2 pronunciation tests

English Accent Reduction Test (A2 Elementary)Short OO Sound Pronunciation Test (A2 Elementary)W Sound Pronunciation Test (A2 Elementary)Long I Sound Pronunciation Test (A2 Elementary)Question Intonation Pronunciation Test (A2 Elementary)TOEFL Speaking Pronunciation Test (A2 Elementary)British Accent Pronunciation Test (A2 Elementary)Plural Endings Pronunciation Test (A2 Elementary)Short U Sound Pronunciation Test (A2 Elementary)Short I Sound Pronunciation Test (A2 Elementary)English Word Stress Test (A2 Elementary)H Sound Pronunciation Test (A2 Elementary)

This test at other levels: A1 · B1 · B2 · C1 · C2

This test in other languages: Français · Deutsch · Português · Español · Italiano

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FAQ

Minimal Pairs Pronunciation Test (A2 Elementary): FAQ

What is a minimal pair?
Two words that differ by only one sound, such as ship and sheep, bad and bed or cup and cap. They are an easy way to train your ear and mouth.
Is the minimal pairs test A2 right for my level?
It is ideal for elementary learners. If A2 feels easy and you score above ninety, move to the B1 version; if it feels hard, try the A1 version first.
How does the computer show minimal pair mistakes?
If you say sheep instead of ship, the word turns red and the result shows heard: sheep. That tells you exactly which sound to fix.
Is the minimal pairs test A2 free?
Yes. It is completely free, with no sign-up and no download. You only need a microphone and a browser such as Chrome, Edge or Safari.
How is my pronunciation scored?
The browser listens to each sentence and compares what it heard with the text, word by word. Clear words turn green, almost-right words amber and unclear words red, and you get a score out of 100.
Can I choose British or American English?
Yes. Choose British or American English before you start. The model voice, the spelling and the speech recognition all follow the accent you pick.