C2 Pronunciation Test · Proficiency

Biography as a Genre English Pronunciation Test

Take the free Biography as a Genre English Pronunciation Test: read ten challenging sentences about biography as a genre aloud and see every unclear word in red.

Level C210 sentencesAbout 3 minutesFree
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.
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

Sentence by sentence

Want to fix the red words faster?Practise them with a tutor in a free lesson.
Book a Free Lesson

About the Biography as a Genre English Pronunciation Test

In the Biography as a Genre English Pronunciation Test you read ten proficiency sentences about biography as a genre. Your browser listens, compares every word and shows you which sounds to practise next.

Words You Will Practise

In this Biography as a Genre pronunciation test you will say key words such as biographers, face, formidable, task, reconstructing, life, letters, diaries, interviews, public, records, good. Every sentence also trains one important English sound, shown in the orange label above the sentence.

Sounds in the Biography as a Genre Pronunciation Test

  • S and Z sounds: S sounds like a snake and Z sounds like a bee. Try bus and buzz.
  • Plural endings: Say the -s at the end of plural words clearly: books, dogs, buses.
  • R sound: For R, pull your tongue back and do not touch the top of your mouth, as in red.
  • F sound: For F, touch your top teeth to your bottom lip and blow gently, as in fish.
  • K and G sounds: K is quiet and G uses your voice. Try coat and goat.
  • V sound: For V, touch your top teeth to your bottom lip and use your voice, as in very.
  • J sound: For J, start with your tongue on the top of your mouth and use your voice, as in juice.
  • TH sound: Put the tip of your tongue between your teeth for TH, as in think and this.
  • Long I sound: Make long vowels a little longer than short ones, as in sheep and ship.
  • SH sound: For SH, push your lips forward and let the air flow softly, as in she.

How to Do Well in the Biography as a Genre Pronunciation Test

  • Try the test in British English and then in American English to hear the difference.
  • Tap the speaker and listen to the model sentence before you speak.
  • Use a quiet room and keep your microphone close to you.

When you finish, try another C2 pronunciation test or choose a new level on the pronunciation test page.

Sounds in this test

What the Biography as a Genre English Pronunciation Test Checks

01

S and Z sounds

Biographers face the formidable task of reconstructing a life from letters, diaries, interviews and public records.

02

Plural endings

A good biography illuminates not only its subject but also the historical period in which they lived.

03

R sound

Authorised biographies are written with the subject's cooperation, which can seriously limit the critical independence of the author.

04

F sound

Unauthorised biographies may reveal uncomfortable truths, though they sometimes rely on gossip and speculation.

05

K and G sounds

Biographers must decide how to interpret contradictions and frustrating gaps in the surviving evidence about their subject.

06

V sound

Some subjects deliberately destroyed their papers to prevent future biographers from examining their private lives.

07

J sound

Group biographies explore networks of friends, families or colleagues rather than a single individual.

08

TH sound

The genre has expanded to include overlooked figures whose achievements were ignored during their lifetimes.

09

Long I sound

Readers often turn to biography for inspiration, consolation or practical lessons about how to live.

10

SH sound

Ultimately, every biography is an interpretation shaped by the biographer's own questions and values.

Keep practising

More C2 Pronunciation Tests

Turn Red Words into Green Words

A tutor can show you exactly how to say the sounds you missed. Try a free lesson and hear the difference.

Book a Free LessonPrivate tutors from €12 per hour
FAQ

Biography as a Genre English Pronunciation Test: FAQ

What is the Biography as a Genre English Pronunciation Test?
The Biography as a Genre English Pronunciation Test is a free C2 pronunciation test. You read challenging sentences out loud and get an instant score, with every unclear word marked in red.
How do I take the Biography as a Genre English Pronunciation Test?
Choose British or American English, tap Start the test, listen to the model sentence and then tap the microphone and read it aloud. Your score appears as soon as you finish speaking.
How is my pronunciation score calculated?
Every word you say is compared with the sentence. Clear words count fully, almost correct words count half and extra or missing words lower the score.
Is the Biography as a Genre English Pronunciation Test free?
Yes. It is completely free, with no sign-up. You can take it as many times as you like.
What should I do after the test?
Practise the red words, then try another C2 pronunciation test. To improve faster, book a free lesson with a tutor.