Vocabulary Test
test your word knowledge and lexical comprehension with multiple-choice vocabulary questions.
text tool
analyze, calculate, and convert typing metrics.
Estimated Reading Time
0m 0s (at 200 WPM)
Estimated Speech Duration
0m 0s (at 130 WPM)
conversion formula
standard conversion utilizes the international benchmark of 5 characters = 1 word (which includes whitespace offsets).
- CPM = WPM * 5
- WPM = CPM / 5
WPM
20
WPM
40
WPM
60
WPM
80
WPM
100
WPM
120
CPM
100
CPM
200
CPM
300
CPM
400
CPM
500
CPM
600
6.0 Pages
Average 250 words per page
read the presented text passage and answer 3 questions. Tests reading speed and comprehension accuracy.
What year was the typewriter invented?
In 1867, Christopher Latham Sholes invented the QWERTY keyboard layout to prevent key jams in mechanical typewriters. Mechanical typewriters utilized metal bars with character shapes that swung upwards to hit ink ribbons. If a typist typed consecutive characters located close to each other too quickly, the bars clashed and jammed. QWERTY separated frequent letter combinations across the keyboard, decreasing mechanical jamming and shaping modern computer keyboards forever.
identify errors in sentences. click the word/segment containing the grammar or punctuation mistake.
Click the word with the grammatical error:
test your knowledge of advanced English words. choose the correct definition from the options.
What is the correct definition of the word below?
ephemeral
Vocabulary Test — How Strong Is Your English Vocabulary?
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What Is the Vocabulary Test?
Our free vocabulary test is a multiple-choice quiz that challenges you to identify the correct definition of advanced English words. Each round presents a target word and four possible definitions — one correct and three plausible distractors. This format actively builds your lexical retrieval skills and exposes you to high-value vocabulary used in professional writing, academic contexts, and standardized tests like the GRE, GMAT, SAT, and IELTS.
How to Take the Vocabulary Test
Click 'Start Test' to begin. A word appears in large text in the center of the screen. Read the word, then choose the definition you believe is correct from the four options provided. After each answer you receive instant feedback confirming the correct definition and providing a usage example. The test tracks your score across 10 questions and shows your final result with a performance rating.
What Is a Good Vocabulary Size?
Vocabulary size is typically measured as the number of word families (a root word and its close derivatives) a person knows. Research from vocabulary scientists like Paul Nation and Stuart Webb provides the following benchmarks.
| Vocabulary Level | Word Families Known | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Literacy | 1,000 – 2,000 | Core everyday communication |
| Elementary English | 2,000 – 4,000 | Simple conversation and reading |
| Intermediate | 4,000 – 8,000 | News articles, general fiction |
| Upper-Intermediate | 8,000 – 12,000 | Most academic texts |
| Advanced / Educated Native | 12,000 – 20,000 | University-level literature |
| Professional / Academic Expert | 20,000 – 35,000 | Specialized field mastery |
| Shakespeare vocabulary | ~29,000 | Literary historical benchmark |
Why a Strong Vocabulary Matters
Vocabulary size is one of the strongest predictors of academic success, reading comprehension, and professional effectiveness. The more words you know, the faster you can read (fewer unfamiliar words to pause on), the more precisely you can express ideas, and the more persuasively you can write. Research from Harvard's Graduate School of Education shows that vocabulary knowledge is directly correlated with earning potential and career advancement across virtually all professional fields.
How to Build Your Vocabulary Effectively
The most effective vocabulary-building method is wide reading — the more varied and extensive your reading, the more word encounters you accumulate in natural context. Complement reading with active vocabulary practice using spaced repetition flashcard apps like Anki or Quizlet. Focus on learning 5–10 new high-value words per day, ensuring you encounter each new word in multiple contexts before considering it 'learned.' Root word study (Latin and Greek roots) also unlocks patterns across hundreds of related words simultaneously.
Related Language and Learning Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test my English vocabulary online?
Click 'Start Test' on our free vocabulary quiz above. You will be shown 10 words and asked to identify the correct definition from four multiple-choice options. Your final score shows your accuracy percentage and a performance rating.
What is the average vocabulary size of an English speaker?
The average native English-speaking adult knows approximately 20,000–35,000 word families. By age 20, most native speakers have a receptive vocabulary of around 42,000 words. Non-native speakers at IELTS Band 7+ typically know 8,000–12,000 word families.
What vocabulary level is needed for the GRE or IELTS?
The GRE tests vocabulary in the 15,000–25,000 word family range, with an emphasis on rare, academic, and literary words. IELTS Band 8–9 typically requires an academic vocabulary of 10,000–15,000 word families for full range of expression.
How many new words should I learn per day?
Research on spaced repetition learning suggests that learning 5–10 new words per day is sustainable for most adults and leads to genuine retention. Learning 100 words per day is possible short-term but leads to poor long-term retention without thorough review cycles.
Can vocabulary tests help with competitive exams?
Yes. Regular vocabulary quizzes directly prepare you for the verbal reasoning sections of competitive exams including GRE, SAT, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, CAT, and UPSC. Active recall testing (choosing the right definition, not just passively reading) is particularly effective for exam preparation.