C1 Pronunciation Test · Advanced

Politeness Across Cultures English Pronunciation Test

Practise advanced English pronunciation with the Politeness Across Cultures English Pronunciation Test. Read ten complex sentences about politeness across cultures and get an instant score.

Level C110 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.
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Sentence 1 of 10Score so far: –

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0clear words
0almost right
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About the Politeness Across Cultures English Pronunciation Test

In the Politeness Across Cultures English Pronunciation Test you read ten advanced sentences about politeness across cultures. Your browser listens, compares every word and shows you which sounds to practise next.

Words You Will Practise

In this Politeness Across Cultures pronunciation test you will say key words such as considered, polite, culture, may, appear, strange, even, rude, another, countries, direct, requests. Every sentence also trains one important English sound, shown in the orange label above the sentence.

Sounds in the Politeness Across Cultures Pronunciation Test

  • R sound: For R, pull your tongue back and do not touch the top of your mouth, as in red.
  • Plural endings: Say the -s at the end of plural words clearly: books, dogs, buses.
  • S and Z sounds: S sounds like a snake and Z sounds like a bee. Try bus and buzz.
  • 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.
  • F sound: For F, touch your top teeth to your bottom lip and blow gently, as in fish.
  • SH sound: For SH, push your lips forward and let the air flow softly, as in she.
  • 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 O sound: Make long vowels a little longer than short ones, as in sheep and ship.

How to Do Well in the Politeness Across Cultures Pronunciation Test

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

When you finish, try another C1 pronunciation test or choose a new level on the pronunciation test page.

Sounds in this test

What the Politeness Across Cultures English Pronunciation Test Checks

01

R sound

What is considered polite in one culture may appear strange or even rude in another.

02

Plural endings

In some countries, direct requests are normal, while elsewhere people prefer indirect and tentative phrasing.

03

S and Z sounds

British speakers are known for frequently apologising, even when they have done nothing wrong.

04

K and G sounds

Maintaining eye contact signals honesty in some cultures but can seem disrespectful in others.

05

V sound

The appropriate distance between speakers during conversation varies considerably around the world.

06

F sound

Forms of address, such as titles and surnames, reflect attitudes towards hierarchy and formality.

07

SH sound

Silence during a conversation may be comfortable in some cultures and awkward in others.

08

J sound

International business training often includes guidance on etiquette, gift-giving and negotiating styles.

09

TH sound

Misunderstandings frequently arise when people interpret others' behaviour through their own cultural norms.

10

Long O sound

Curiosity and patience help people navigate cultural differences with grace and mutual respect.

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FAQ

Politeness Across Cultures English Pronunciation Test: FAQ

What is the Politeness Across Cultures English Pronunciation Test?
The Politeness Across Cultures English Pronunciation Test is a free C1 pronunciation test. You read complex sentences out loud and get an instant score, with every unclear word marked in red.
How do I take the Politeness Across Cultures 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 Politeness Across Cultures 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 C1 pronunciation test. To improve faster, book a free lesson with a tutor.