English dictation exercises

Returning an online order

A customer can return a faulty item even without its original box, but several other conditions still apply. Which requirements remain?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Returning faulty headphones

The headphones work on one side, the paper receipt is missing, and the customer considers two remedies. Which solution is agreed?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Rip off

A dishonest seller might rip you off, while you might rip a label off a parcel. A person object signals cheating; a physical object often signals quick removal.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Root words: understand word parts

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Rule out

A test may rule out one illness, but a doctor who cannot rule it out still thinks it is possible. The negative form reverses the practical message.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Run into

You might run into an old friend, run into a technical problem, or run into another car. The object tells you whether the meeting is pleasant, difficult or physical.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Run out of

If we run out of coffee, the coffee has run out. Both sentences describe an empty supply, but the subject and grammar are different.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Said or Told: Choose the Right Verb

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Scamming the scammers

The investigator replies to scammers, but says ordinary people should hang up. Why are those two actions not contradictory?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Sentence fragments: repair and practice guide

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Setting Up a Café: Which Opposite Fits?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Show off

Someone can show off without an object to attract attention, or show off a new skill so other people admire it. One describes behaviour; the other highlights what is displayed.

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Sign up

You sign up for a photography course, but you sign up to bring snacks to its first meeting. The next word decides the pattern.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Since or For: Choosing Time Words

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Singular Nouns: One Person or Thing

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Sink in

You can hear important news in one second but need much longer to feel that it is real. During that delay, the news is sinking in.

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Speak Clear English: Grammar for Daily Speech

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Speak English fluently: clear daily speaking steps

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Speaking in class: how to stay calm

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Spoken English exercises: everyday conversation practice

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Stand out

A yellow umbrella stands out in a crowd because it is easy to see. An excellent application stands out because its quality is better. Both attract attention for different reasons.

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Stative Verbs: Choosing the Correct Form

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Stubborn: meaning, tone, and alternatives

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Swapping a volunteer shift

Two volunteers discuss three time slots before agreeing on one swap. Which times belong to the final arrangement?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian