Language and Identity English Pronunciation Test
Check your English pronunciation with the Language and Identity English Pronunciation Test. Ten complex C1 sentences about language and identity, with an instant score.
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C1 Advanced · Free English Pronunciation Test
Short E Sound Pronunciation Test (C1 Advanced)
Check the short E in words like bed, red, friend and many. Read ten sentences aloud and see which words need practice. This version uses C1 sentences: complex structures, academic and professional words.
C1100% 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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About this test
About the Short E Sound Pronunciation Test (C1 Advanced)
The short E in bed and red is made with the mouth half open and the tongue in the middle of the mouth, slightly forward. It is shorter and more relaxed than the E in many other languages. Learners often confuse it with the short A in bad or the short I in bit, which changes the meaning of words like men and man or pen and pin.
Why practise this at C1 level
At C1 small errors stand out more, because everything else sounds fluent. These advanced sentences use academic and professional vocabulary, long words and complex stress, so you can polish the last sounds that still give away your first language.
How to get it right
- Open your mouth about halfway
- Keep the tongue forward and relaxed
- Keep the vowel short and clean
- Practise pairs such as pen and pan, bed and bid
Common mistakes
Common Mistakes This Test Helps You Fix
01
Opening too wide, so men sounds like man
02
Closing too much, so pen sounds like pin
03
Adding a Y sound, so bed sounds like bayd
04
Pronouncing the A in many and any as an A
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
SH sound
Minority languages are often closely linked to local traditions, songs and stories.
02
R sound
Athletes frequently perform rituals before competitions, believing they influence performance and outcomes.
03
Short E sound
Limiting access to sensitive information reduces the damage if an account is compromised.
04
K and G sounds
Some companies measure results and outcomes instead of tracking every minute of activity.
05
T and D sounds
Switching between tasks repeatedly can reduce productivity and increase the number of mistakes.
06
L sound
Good leaders listen to experts while taking personal responsibility for the final outcome.
07
SH sound
Private companies have attracted significant investment by promising dramatic results from de-extinction research.
08
Plural endings
However, other studies have found that the benefits are smaller than enthusiasts often claim.
09
TH sound
Effective feedback systems focus on growth and development rather than simply judging past performance.
10
F sound
In parts of East Africa, these services have transformed financial life for millions of people.
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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This test at other levels: A1 · A2 · B1 · B2 · C2
This test in other languages: Deutsch · Português · Español · Italiano
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FAQ
Short E Sound Pronunciation Test (C1 Advanced): FAQ
Which words use the short E sound?
Bed, red, ten, friend, many, said, head and breakfast all use the short E, even though the spelling is different. The test helps you hear the sound behind the spelling.
Is the short E sound test C1 right for my level?
It is built for advanced learners. If you score above ninety, the C2 version is your final challenge.
Why is the E in said and many a short E?
English spelling does not always match the sound. Said, many, any and friend are written with other letters but are all pronounced with the short E in bed.
Is the short E sound test C1 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.