Welcome to our series of oral comprehension exercises for ESL students. These quizzes will test how well you understand (American) English pronunciation. THey are designed for all levels. Here's what you do:

1. Click on the "CLICK TO LISTEN" button for each question.
2. Listen to the word(s).
3. Choose the word(s) that you heard from the three choices.
4. Click on "CHECK ANSWERS" to see how you did.

The sound files are in MP3 format. Good luck! :)

Which word do you hear?
  cut
  cat
  Kate

2.

Which word do you hear?
  grease
  grass
  grace

3.

Which word do you hear?
  grease
  grace
  grass

4.

Which word do you hear?
  grease
  grace
  grass

5.

Which word do you hear?
  time
  theme
  tame

6.

Which word do you hear?
  time
  tame
  theme

7.

Which word do you hear?
  theme
  tame
  time

8.

Which word do you hear?
  grape
  gripe
  grip

9.

Which word do you hear?
  grip
  gripe
  grape

10.

Which word do you hear?
  gripe
  grip
  grape

CHECK ANSWERS

Back to list of exercises

OFFICIAL ENGLISH TESTS: TSE (Test of Spoken English)

The Test of Spoken English (TSE) has been used around the world to assess how effectively non-native speakers of English are able to communicate. The test has been used for a variety of purposes, but is usually used to determine how well non-native speakers can communicate in a professional (work) or colleger/university type of environment. The TSE tests one's knowledge of spoken English by requiring the candidate to respond orally on tape (within certain time limits) to a variety of printed and recorded questions.

Many health professionals (nurses, etc.) are required to pass the TSE before being able to work.