B2 Upper Intermediate · Free English Pronunciation Test

Minimal Pairs Pronunciation Test (B2 Upper Intermediate)

Ship or sheep, full or fool, cat or cut? Test the vowel pairs that change the meaning of English words. This version uses B2 sentences: longer, with tricky sound pairs and real stress patterns.

B2100% 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 (B2 Upper Intermediate)

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 B2 level

At B2 listeners expect you to be easy to follow for a long time. These upper intermediate sentences are longer and put similar sounds close together, so you practise accuracy under the same pressure as in an exam or a meeting.

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

Long E sound

Mentors meet their mentees regularly to discuss goals and challenges.

02

Short U sound

Turning on notifications lets you spot unusual payments almost immediately.

03

Short OO sound

Looking after my bike has made me feel more independent.

04

Short E sound

Honest feedback can help restaurants improve their service and menu.

05

Short E sound

Successful freelancers usually have strong self-discipline and excellent organisational skills.

06

Short A sound

I also practised starting short conversations with shop assistants and neighbours.

07

Long E sound

Meals were eaten together in complete silence, which felt surprisingly peaceful.

08

Short A sound

I made a list of advantages and disadvantages for each option.

09

Short U sound

Spending summers in Italy has helped them speak much more naturally.

10

Long OO sound

Limiting the time spent scrolling can noticeably improve mood and wellbeing.

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.

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FAQ

Minimal Pairs Pronunciation Test (B2 Upper Intermediate): 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 B2 right for my level?
It suits upper intermediate learners and anyone preparing for B2 exams. Score above ninety and try the C1 version.
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 B2 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.