English dictation exercises

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

Subordinating conjunctions: connect your ideas clearly

3-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