English dictation exercises

Touch a nerve

A casual remark about school closures suddenly changes your friend's expression. You did not intend harm, but the subject connects with a painful experience.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Trauma meaning: physical injury and shock

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

Up in the air

You may travel next month, but the dates, budget, and permission are undecided. The trip has not been cancelled, yet nothing is settled.

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Up to scratch

A report contains good ideas, but several figures are wrong and key evidence is missing. It is not terrible, although it cannot be accepted yet.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Up to speed

You return after two weeks away. The project has changed, and you need the latest decisions before you can contribute confidently again.

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Vain meaning: pride and failed efforts

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Vulnerable: Meaning and Everyday Use

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Whatever or what ever: choosing the right form

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

When it comes to

Your friend is generally relaxed, but money makes her extremely careful. You want to narrow a broad description to that one particular subject.

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

Who or Whom: Choose with Confidence

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Word of mouth

A tiny café buys no advertisements, yet every table is full because customers keep recommending it to friends and colleagues.

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely: How to Choose

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

Zeal meaning: Energetic Commitment to Goals

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

apathetic meaning: unconcerned or indifferent

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

austere meaning: strict, plain, and serious

3-second sample
American, British, Australian

benevolent meaning: kind people and actions

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

disposition meaning: character and tendency

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

paradox meaning: clear everyday examples

6-second sample
American, British, Australian

perception meaning: understanding daily impressions

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

poignant meaning: touching and sad moments

4-second sample
American, British, Australian

prudent meaning: wise future choices

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

schadenfreude: pleasure at someone's misfortune

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

serendipity meaning: lucky chance discoveries

5-second sample
American, British, Australian

A matter of time

A new café is already popular, and you are confident it will need a bigger space, but you do not know when. Which phrase expresses that expectation?

4-second sample
American, British, Australian