Importance of pronunciation and intonation (Practice Test)

1. What does “pronunciation” in IELTS Speaking primarily assess?
(A) Having a native-like accent
(B) Clear speech with correct word/sentence stress
(C) Using complex vocabulary
(D) Speaking very quickly

2. Which word is stressed correctly?
(A) “PHO-to-graph”
(B) “pho-TO-graph”
(C) “pho-to-GRAPH”
(D) “PHO-to-graph”

3. How does intonation affect communication?
(A) It makes answers longer
(B) It conveys meaning and emotion
(C) It replaces vocabulary
(D) It hides grammar mistakes

4. Which sentence has natural intonation?
(A) “You like coffee.”
(B) “You like coffee?”
(C) “You. Like. Coffee.”
(D) “YOU like COFFEE”

5. What is “word stress”?
(A) Speaking louder on key syllables
(B) Shouting every word
(C) Ignoring syllable emphasis
(D) Using only simple words

6. Which habit improves pronunciation most?
(A) Mumbling
(B) Shadowing native speakers
(C) Avoiding difficult words
(D) Speaking in monotone

7. What makes vowel sounds important?
(A) They don’t matter in English
(B) Clear vowels prevent misunderstandings
(C) Only consonants matter
(D) Vowels should be silent

8. Which is a common pronunciation mistake?
(A) Saying “sink” for “think”
(B) Using correct sentence stress
(C) Speaking at natural pace
(D) Pronouncing silent letters

9. How does sentence stress help?
(A) It highlights key words
(B) It makes all words equally loud
(C) It hides grammar errors
(D) It shortens answers

10. What’s the best way to practice intonation?
(A) Memorizing word lists
(B) Listening to podcasts and mimicking speaker’s pitch changes
(C) Avoiding questions
(D) Speaking without pausing