Dictation in the classroom
Dictation is quick to set up, works at every level and keeps a whole class focused. Here are activities that work well with English learners, and free materials to use with them.
Dictation activities
- Running dictation: a text is pinned up away from the desks; one student reads a line, runs back and dictates it to a partner, who writes.
- Dictogloss: read a short text twice at normal speed; students note key words, then rebuild the text in pairs.
- Gap-fill dictation: give a text with words missing (small words, endings, key vocabulary) and play the audio.
- Peer dictation: students dictate sentences to each other, then swap roles and check together.
- Sentence dictation warm-up: three sentences at the start of a lesson, using the day’s vocabulary.
Tips by level
- A1 to A2: short sentences, slow speech, two or three listens; focus on everyday words and endings.
- B1 to B2: short passages in parts; focus on weak forms, contractions and linked words.
- C1: natural speed, longer parts; focus on detail and spelling of less common words.
Free materials
Every lesson on EnglishDictations has a printable worksheet with a gap-fill and a full dictation, with an answer key. A daily dictation at each level makes easy homework, and the “Today’s dictation” widget can go on a class website.
Checking and feedback
Let students check their own work against the text first: finding their own mistakes teaches more than a corrected page. Then go over the mistakes the whole class shared, which usually point to one sound or grammar point worth a short lesson.
Questions from teachers
Is dictation a good activity for English learners?
Yes. It practises listening, spelling and grammar at once, works at every level and needs almost no preparation.
How long should a classroom dictation be?
Short: five to ten minutes. Three to six sentences, or a short paragraph played in parts, is plenty.
Are the worksheets free?
Yes. Every lesson’s worksheet is a free PDF you can print for your class.