Satire and Political Comedy English Pronunciation Test
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C2 Proficiency · Free English Pronunciation Test
AIR Sound Pronunciation Test (C2 Proficiency)
Test the AIR sound in where, there, chair and care, in a British or an American accent. This version uses C2 sentences: near-native challenges, dense sounds and fast rhythm.
C2100% 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 AIR Sound Pronunciation Test (C2 Proficiency)
The AIR sound in hair, where and care is pronounced differently in the two main accents. In British English it is a long, open E with no R. In American English the R is pronounced. Learners often follow the spelling, so there and their and here and hair can sound mixed up. Many common words use this sound, often with very different spellings.
Why practise this at C2 level
At C2 the aim is effortless, near-native clarity. These proficiency sentences pack difficult sounds into fast, dense phrases, many of them close to tongue twisters, so even confident speakers find out what still needs work.
How to get it right
- Start with the mouth half open, as for the E in bed
- Hold the sound slightly longer
- For British English, do not pronounce the R
- For American English, finish with a soft English R
Common mistakes
Common Mistakes This Test Helps You Fix
01
Saying here instead of hair, so the vowel is too closed
02
Rolling or tapping the R
03
Mixing British and American versions
04
Following unusual spellings such as wear, their and prayer
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 I sound
Comedians walk a tightrope between provocation and offence, and the line is constantly being redrawn.
02
AIR sound
We are back to square one now that the investors have rejected our revised business plan.
03
AIR sound
After the presentation went well, she was walking on air for the rest of the afternoon.
04
SH sound
The movement continues to remind us that the strange and irrational are integral to human experience.
05
AIR sound
She keeps up appearances for the neighbours, even though the family is struggling to pay its bills.
06
AIR sound
The negotiators managed to iron out the remaining differences during a long session that lasted until dawn.
07
AIR sound
We need to clear the air before the wedding, otherwise the tension will spoil the entire celebration.
08
AIR sound
It is clear who wears the trousers in that household, since every decision is made by the grandmother.
09
AIR sound
The old factory finally closed its doors last year, marking the end of an era for the entire town.
10
AIR sound
The hotel was in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by fields and forests stretching as far as the eye could see.
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 · C1
This test in other languages: Deutsch · Português · Español · Italiano
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FAQ
AIR Sound Pronunciation Test (C2 Proficiency): FAQ
Why do there, their and they're sound the same?
They are homophones: different spellings and meanings, but the same AIR sound. Context tells the listener which word you mean.
Is the AIR sound test C2 right for my level?
It is the hardest version, for proficient and near-native speakers. If you find it too difficult, practise the C1 version first.
Should I pronounce the R in care and chair?
In American English, yes; in British English, no. Choose your accent at the start of the test and keep it consistent.
Is the AIR sound test C2 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.