English dictation exercises

Have a word

A mistake in a report needs discussing, but you do not want to raise it in front of the whole team. How can you ask the writer for a short private conversation?

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Head start

You receive the reading list a month before everyone else and finish two books before the course begins. What kind of advantage do you have?

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

Hit and miss

A bus arrives exactly on time some mornings and twenty minutes late on others. You cannot plan around it with confidence. How can you describe the service?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Holistic meaning: connect the parts

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

How to Build Credibility: Practical Speech Tips

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

In one go

A report usually takes you three short sessions, but today you read the entire document without stopping. How can you describe completing it as one continuous action?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

In the loop

A project changes while you are away, but your colleague sends every update. Which phrase shows that you remain informed and included?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

In the running

Three candidates remain after the final interview, and any one of them could get the job. How can you describe their continuing chance?

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

In your element

Your quiet friend becomes lively and confident while organising a complex event. Which phrase shows that this activity suits her perfectly?

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

Inevitable meaning: unavoidable results explained

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

Insane Meaning: Choose the Right Word

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Irony meaning: what makes situations ironic

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

It goes without saying

Everyone understands that a borrowed camera must be returned safely, but you still want to emphasise it politely. Which expression introduces that obvious expectation?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Jerk Meaning: Movement and Slang

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Jump the gun

A company announces a product before the final safety test is complete. Which idiom criticises acting before the right moment?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Keep an eye out

Your parcel could arrive at any moment while you are in another room. What can you ask a friend to do?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Loquacious: Meaning and Daily Usage

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

Might as well

The bus will not arrive for an hour, and walking takes twenty minutes. How can you casually suggest the most logical choice?

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Mixed conditionals

A decision you made years ago still shapes your life today. How can one conditional sentence move between those two times?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Mundane Meaning: Ordinary Daily Tasks

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Non-Finite Verbs: Forms and Everyday Uses

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Obsolete meaning: no longer in use

8-second sample
American, British, Australian

On the same page

Before work begins, everyone agrees about the goal, deadline, and responsibilities. Which phrase describes that shared understanding?

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

One-off

A company pays a special bonus this month but will not repeat it. Which British English expression shows that the payment happens only once?

5-second sample
American, British, Australian