7 Questions to Test Your English

Can You Get Them All Right?

Dear Hyphenly Readers,

We were thrilled by your response to our Fourth of July quiz—so much so that we’re back with Part 2!

To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, applicants must demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English

This part of the test usually involves:

  • Responding to spoken questions from an immigration officer

  • Reading and understanding simple sentences

  • Demonstrating basic English communication skills

Even if you’re not applying for citizenship, if you enter on a student visa, you java to take proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL

So today, we’re putting you to the test. 

How strong are your English basics? Try our quick quiz!

Do you know Saadia Khan, the founder of Immigrantly Media?

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Will you tell your friends to subscribe to Hyphenly?

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Let’s listen to the episode of Immigrantly where Saadia interviews a young(er) Zohran Mamdani.

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Complete the sentence with the most appropriate word.

You say you’re happy but you’re … complaining about the lack of fun podcasts for Gen Z. Might I recommend Banterly?

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I would … listen to the latest episode of Sportly that discusses how Japan dominates baseball than the one that discusses the most controversial aspects of Formula 1- driver management. Or both?

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I was looking forward … to the new episode of Lovely that talks about dating in the age of ghosting, rejection, and situationships, but my headphones are out of battery.

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Would you mind … our podcasts a rating after you listen?

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Did you enjoy this edition of our quiz—or did a few questions leave you scratching your head?

Here’s the thing about language proficiency tests:

  • They can be rigid, often rewarding memorization over true fluency.

  • They rarely reflect how people actually use language in daily life.

  • They don’t evolve with how language shifts over time.

  • And they often fail to capture what really matters—confidence, comfort, and connection.

We’d love to hear from you.

Have you ever had to take a test like this—TOEFL, IELTS, or even the U.S. citizenship interview?

What did it teach you (or not teach you) about your relationship with English?

Reply to this email or DM us on Instagram. We’re listening.

This newsletter was curated by Suhasini Patni.

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Hyphenly curates the latest news, art, and businesses from immigrants around the world. Have a tip or story we should feature? We’d love to hear from you.