Why I Prefer Small Shops English Pronunciation Test
Check your English pronunciation with the Why I Prefer Small Shops English Pronunciation Test. Ten natural B1 sentences about why you prefer small shops, with an instant score.
Start the testFirst lesson free · Lessons from €12 per hourBook now →
B1 Intermediate · Free English Pronunciation Test
English Word Stress Test (B1 Intermediate)
Put the stress on the right syllable? Test it with long and common words in ten sentences and see which ones need practice. This version uses B1 sentences: natural, connected speech at intermediate level.
B1100% 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.
Your browser can't do speech recognition. Please open this page in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Safari.
About this test
About the English Word Stress Test (B1 Intermediate)
In English one syllable of every long word is stronger: longer, louder and higher. The other syllables become weak and short. Putting the stress in the wrong place can make a word hard to recognise, even if every sound is correct, as in comfortable or photograph and photographer. Stress also changes some words, like REcord the noun and reCORD the verb.
Why practise this at B1 level
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.
How to get it right
- Make the stressed syllable longer and louder
- Reduce the unstressed syllables to a quick, soft sound
- Listen to the model voice before reading
- Tap any red word to hear where the stress falls
Common mistakes
Common Mistakes This Test Helps You Fix
01
Giving every syllable the same strength
02
Stressing the last syllable of words like comfortable
03
Pronouncing every letter in words like chocolate and vegetable
04
Moving the stress in word families such as photo, photograph and photography
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
Word stress
Of course, small shops can sometimes be more expensive.
02
H sound
People say hello to each other in the street.
03
Word stress
At home it is easier to concentrate on difficult tasks.
04
Word stress
I spent a whole evening comparing prices on different websites.
05
Word stress
During that time I had taken on many new responsibilities.
06
Word stress
I had an important presentation at work on Monday morning.
07
Long A sound
My uncle drives us to a campsite near a lake.
08
Word stress
It can be a stressful job, but it is very rewarding.
09
Word stress
Now I make a copy of my important files every week.
10
R sound
I also try to buy fruit and vegetables that are not wrapped.
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.
Why I Like Living in a Small Town English Pronunciation Test
Check your English pronunciation with the Why I Like Living in a Small Town English Pronunciation Test. Ten natural B1 sentences about why you like living in a small town, with an instant score.
Start the testWorking from Home or the Office English Pronunciation Test
Take the free Working from Home or the Office English Pronunciation Test: read ten natural sentences about working from home or in an office aloud and see every unclear word in red.
Start the testShopping for a New Phone English Pronunciation Test
Check your English pronunciation with the Shopping for a New Phone English Pronunciation Test. Ten natural B1 sentences about choosing technology, with an instant score.
Start the testAsking for a Pay Rise English Pronunciation Test
Practise intermediate English pronunciation with the Asking for a Pay Rise English Pronunciation Test. Read ten natural sentences about asking for a pay rise and get an instant score.
Start the testLosing My Voice Before a Presentation English Pronunciation Test
Take the free Losing My Voice Before a Presentation English Pronunciation Test: read ten natural sentences about a stressful work day aloud and see every unclear word in red.
Start the testMore free tests
More B1 pronunciation tests
English R Sound Pronunciation Test (B1 Intermediate)TOEFL Speaking Pronunciation Test (B1 Intermediate)L Sound Pronunciation Test (B1 Intermediate)H Sound Pronunciation Test (B1 Intermediate)English Consonant Sounds Pronunciation Test (B1 Intermediate)Long OO Sound Pronunciation Test (B1 Intermediate)W Sound Pronunciation Test (B1 Intermediate)-ed Endings Pronunciation Test (B1 Intermediate)Short U Sound Pronunciation Test (B1 Intermediate)English Accent Reduction Test (B1 Intermediate)Long I Sound Pronunciation Test (B1 Intermediate)Short A Sound Pronunciation Test (B1 Intermediate)
This test at other levels: A1 · A2 · B2 · C1 · C2
This test in other languages: Français · Deutsch · Português · Español · Italiano
Want a Tutor to Perfect Your Pronunciation?
The test shows you what to fix. A tutor shows you how. Practise the exact sounds you find difficult in a free lesson.
Book a Free LessonPrivate tutors from €12 per hour
FAQ
English Word Stress Test (B1 Intermediate): FAQ
How do I know which syllable to stress?
There are patterns, such as stress on the first syllable of most two-syllable nouns, but listening is the best guide. Tap any word in the test to hear the model say it, then copy the rhythm.
Is the word stress test B1 right for my level?
It suits intermediate learners. Score above ninety and move up to B2; if many words turn red, practise the A2 version first.
Can the computer hear word stress?
Indirectly, yes. Words with the wrong stress are often recognised as different words or not recognised at all, so they turn amber or red in your result.
Is the word stress test B1 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.