Pronunciation guides

Minimal pairs are word pairs that differ by one sound. Training on them sharpens your ear and your mouth at the same time.

TOEFL iBT Speaking now uses two task families: Listen and Repeat, and Take an Interview. Here is what each one asks of you and how to practise.

The IELTS Speaking test is graded on four criteria. Understand what examiners look for and how to push your band higher.

Shadowing — speaking along with a native speaker in real time — is one of the most effective pronunciation methods. Here's how to do it.

General American (GenAm) is the neutral, widely-understood US accent. Learn its key features and how to start speaking it.

The voiced and voiceless TH sounds trip up learners worldwide. Here's exactly where to put your tongue, with practice words.

The American R is one of the hardest sounds for learners. Learn the bunched and retroflex techniques with mouth diagrams and drills.

Understand the major pronunciation differences between British and American English, from rhoticity to vowel shifts.

Learn the prestige British accent known as RP or Queen's English. Covers non-rhoticity, the TRAP-BATH split, and proper vowel production.

A step-by-step look at the London East End accent: TH-fronting, glottal stops, H-dropping, and more.