Test S and Z in sun, zoo, easy and is. Many learners never say a real Z, even though English uses it all the time. This version uses B1 sentences: natural, connected speech at intermediate level.
S and Z are made in the same place, with the tongue close to the ridge behind the top teeth. S is voiceless, a hiss; Z is voiced, a buzz. Spanish, Italian, Finnish and many other speakers say S everywhere, but English uses the Z sound in hundreds of common words, such as is, was, has, because and plural endings like dogs.
At B1 you speak in full sentences, and sounds start to change when words join together. These intermediate sentences make you keep the sound clear at a natural speed, which is exactly what people notice in a real conversation.
Saying S instead of Z in is, was and because
Using S for plural endings that need Z, as in dogs and days
Adding an E before S at the start of words, so school sounds like eschool
Making the S too soft or lisping
Each sentence trains one sound. The orange label above the sentence tells you which one.
I practised the same simple songs again and again.
It is less stressful than speaking in a classroom.
Everyone was silent, and some people even started crying.
We also discussed what to do after a burn.
They cancelled my cards and promised to send new ones.
I believe everyone should learn to swim when they are young.
Every month, a pub near my house organises a quiz night.
It was one of the best experiences of my school life.
Last spring, I decided to sell things I no longer used.
I work as a nurse in the children's department of a hospital.
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See a score out of 100 with every word in green, amber or red, then practise the red words.
Each sentence above comes from a full ten-sentence pronunciation test. Take the complete test to keep practising.
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Start the testTake the free Should Everyone Learn to Swim? English Pronunciation Test: read ten natural sentences about whether everyone should learn to swim aloud and see every unclear word in red.
Start the testThis test at other levels: A1 · A2 · B2 · C1 · C2
This test in other languages: Deutsch · Português · Español · Italiano
The test shows you what to fix. A tutor shows you how. Practise the exact sounds you find difficult in a free lesson.
