A
Have you ever had trouble pronouncing a common English word correctly or finding English practice partners in your own city or country? If so, the following four American English pronunciation apps will help.
Say It: Pronunciation
Users of this app developed by Oxford University Press can practice more than 35,000 words. It can record your voice and then create a waveform from your voice, which you can compare to that of the model speaker. A marker shows which part of each word to stress.
The app offers a free version. But its usability is limited. You would need to buy the paid version to get full use of the app, which costs $6.99.
ELSA Speak
ESLA Speak uses artificial intelligence(AI) to act as your, own pronunciation teacher. This app offers a speaking test with detailed results and a score. And its AI software lets you have conversations with the computer and get assessment.
The app has a free 7-day trial version. After that, you would need to pay for the full version. Prices range from $0.99 to $99.
Accent Training
This app centers on a few important elements of pronunciation, including reduced speech, intonation and connected speech.
The app is free, but unwanted ads show up often. You can choose whether to pay $2.99 to remove them.
English Pronunciation Tutor
This app developed by Language Arts Press is useful if there are specific sounds in English that give you continuous trouble.
The app is free for the first unit only. After that, you would pay $5.99 to activate the full version.
None of these apps can replace real-life speaking practice. But if you are in serious need of pronunciation support, try them.
1. Which app provides the detailed results of yours speaking test?
A. Say It: Pronunciation. B. ELSA Speak.
C. Accent Training. D. English Pronunciation Tutor.
2. What is special about Accent Training?
A. It can record voice. B. It is free for full use.
C. It reduces your speech anxiety. D. It gets you from continuous trouble.
3. What can we learn from the text?
A. The apps are intended for natives. B. The four apps are equipped with AL.
C. The users must buy the full versions. D. It's better to learn to speak in real life.
【答案】1. B 2. B 3. D
【解析】
这是一篇应用文。文章主要介绍了四个美式英语发音应用程序，介绍了它们各自的特色和收费情况。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。根据ELSA Speak部分中“This app offers a speaking test with detailed results and a score.(这个应用程序提供了一个有详细结果和分数的口语测试)”可知，ELSA Speak可以提供你的口语测试的详细结果。故选B。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。根据Accent Training部分中“The app is free, but unwanted ads show up often.(这款应用是免费的，但经常会出现讨厌的广告)”可知，Accent Training特别之处在于使用完全免费。故选B。
【3题详解】
推理判断题。根据最后一段中“None of these apps can replace real-life speaking practice.(这些应用程序都无法取代现实生活中的口语练习)”可推知，在现实生活中练习口语更好。故选D。
