English Word Challenge
The English Word Challenge is a free vocabulary game with 800 words in 40 topics, from A1 to C1. Guess each word letter by letter, hear it pronounced in British English, and practise Cambridge, IELTS and SELT vocabulary, phrasal verbs, idioms and Business English.
No sign-up · Free to play · Works on mobile
Choose a subject
Topic review
🏆 High Scores
| Mode | Best score |
|---|
How to play the English Word Challenge
Choose a subject chip, then use Difficulty to match your level from A1 to C1.
Tap the letters or use your keyboard. Right letters score points. You have six lives, and each wrong letter draws part of the figure.
After each round you see the word, hear it in a British English voice, and can review the whole topic list.
Modes: Standard (untimed), Timed (60 seconds), and exam-focused Cambridge, IELTS and SELT vocabulary sets. Scores are kept for each mode.
40 topics and 800 English words
- A1 Essentials
- A1 Home & Daily Life
- A1 Places & Directions
- A2 Everyday English
- A2 Food & Drink
- A2 Travel
- A2 Jobs & Work
- B1 Vocabulary
- B1 Travel & Experiences
- B1 Work & Study
- B2 Vocabulary
- B2 Society & Media
- B2 Work & Professional
- C1 Advanced
- C1 Academic & Formal
- Cambridge B1 Preliminary
- Cambridge B2 First
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- IELTS Education
- IELTS Environment
- IELTS Society
- SELT B1 Topics
- SELT Speaking Functions
- Phrasal Verbs
- Idioms
- Collocations
- Irregular Verbs
- Word Formation
- Grammar Words
- Pronunciation: Silent Letters
- Pronunciation: Tricky Spelling
- False Friends Spanish-English
- British English
- Business English
- Meetings & Presentations
- Finance & Sales
- Job Interviews
- Health & Lifestyle
- Technology
- Relationships & Personality
English Word Challenge: frequently asked questions
What is the ELS English Word Challenge?
It is a free English vocabulary game from Elite Language Solutions. You guess a hidden word letter by letter, hangman style, from 800 words in 40 topics covering levels A1 to C1, Cambridge, IELTS and SELT vocabulary, phrasal verbs, idioms, collocations and Business English.
Is the game free, and do I need to sign up?
Yes, it is free. There is no registration and no download. It runs in your browser on phones, tablets and computers.
What English levels does it cover?
Levels A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1. Use the Difficulty menu to show only the topics for your level, or choose All levels for a mixed game.
Can I use it to practise for Cambridge, IELTS or SELT vocabulary?
Yes. The Cambridge, IELTS and SELT modes show only the topics linked to those exams. It is vocabulary practice only. It is not an official test, a practice paper or an approved SELT, and it does not predict exam results.
How does the pronunciation feature work?
After each word the game can say it aloud in a British English voice using your device's built-in speech engine. Voice quality varies between devices and browsers, and you can switch the audio off.
Are my scores saved?
Your best score for each mode is saved in your own browser on your own device. Nothing is sent to ELS. Clearing your browser data or switching device resets the scores.
This game is vocabulary practice by Elite Language Solutions. It is not an official Cambridge, IELTS or SELT test and is not affiliated with those organisations. ELS does not administer SELT exams or give immigration advice.
Turn vocabulary into confident speaking
Work with an experienced British English teacher on pronunciation, fluency and the exact words you need for work, exams or everyday life.