English dictation exercises

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

Synonyms in English: Choose the Right Word

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

TOEFL Study Response: Explain What You Hear

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Take after

You may have your father's smile but your grandmother's patience. When a family similarity comes from an older relative, you can say you take after that person.

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Take it easy

Take it easy means to rest and avoid hard effort. It means to calm down and stop worrying. It also means goodbye between friends.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Take part in

You can watch a race from the side, or you can enter it and take part. The phrase means joining the activity, not simply being nearby.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Talk into

You may not plan to join a trip, but a friend's reasons can change your mind. If the conversation persuades you, your friend talks you into going.

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

There was or there were: how to choose

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Third conditional: explanation and examples

You missed one train and arrived after the interview began. How do you imagine the version of yesterday that never happened?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Till or Until: Choose the Right Word

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Took or have taken? Choose the form for your message

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Train platform change

A station announcement contains a destination, an original time, a delay, and a new platform. Which details describe the train now?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Transferring a ticket

The ticket is transferable, but forwarding the email is not enough. What must the buyer change by five on Friday?

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Turn down

You can turn down a job because it is unsuitable, or turn down the music because it is too loud. One reduces an opportunity; the other reduces a level.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Turn out

A difficult recipe can turn out well, and a rumour can turn out to be false. The phrase often reveals a final result that was uncertain or surprising.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Turn up

A late guest can turn up at your door, lost keys can turn up under a sofa, and you can turn up the heating. Context separates arrival, discovery and a higher level.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Understanding an indirect refusal

A colleague says your invitation sounds lovely, then mentions a family commitment and suggests another week. Did they accept or decline?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Unusual names

People with uncommon names repeat louder sound parts to clarify them socially or use short nicknames to make phone bookings faster.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Up to or upto: Which Is Correct?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Using Commas: Where Commas Belong

4-second sample
American, British, Australian