Common pronunciation errors that lower spoken test scores
Succeed in Ukrainian: Key Test Mistakes to Avoid: Common pronunciation errors that lower spoken test scores
Common pronunciation errors that lower spoken test scores include the following:
- Mispronunciation of individual sounds such as consonants /θ/, /ð/, /v/, and /z/. For example, replacing /θ/ with /t/ (think → tink), /v/ with /f/ (very → fery), and /ð/ with /d/ (this → dis) is common among non-native speakers, leading to reduced intelligibility. 7, 8
- Incorrect stress patterns and vowel shifts, which affect natural rhythm and clarity. These include placing stress on wrong syllables or substituting vowels incorrectly. 1, 5
- General confusion in pronouncing silent letters or omitting essential sounds; for example, pronouncing the silent “t” in “often” or omitting final consonants. 5
- Errors in pronunciation of commonly mispronounced words such as “colonel,” “February,” “library,” “comfortable,” and “nuclear,” among others. 2
- Problems with the past tense “-ed” ending sounds where learners apply incorrect sounds like /d/, /t/, or /ɪd/ inconsistently. 5
- Challenges with connected speech features such as assimilation, linking, and elision, which, when ignored, make speech sound unnatural and less clear. 2
- Overall vowel and consonant mispronunciations are significant, as indicated by studies showing students frequently err more on vowels but also consonants. 6
These errors can decrease the clarity of spoken English, reduce confidence, and ultimately lower scores in spoken language tests like IELTS or PTE. Addressing these common pronunciation issues through focused practice, awareness of phonetic aspects, and exposure to natural English speech can improve test outcomes. 6, 7, 2
This summary consolidates typical pronunciation error types that impact spoken test scores significantly. If a specific language or test is of interest, further tailored information can be provided.