English dictation exercises

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

adamant meaning: how to use it

5-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

cognitive meaning: mental processes explained

6-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