English listening guides

What the schwa sound is, a list of schwa words with examples, how weak forms make “to”, “of” and “and” almost disappear, and a self-test with recordings.

A full list of English contractions (I’m, don’t, can’t, won’t, I’d, gonna and more), the rules for using them, and how to hear them in fast spoken English.

What homophones are, a list of common English homophones with their meanings, memory tricks for there, their and they’re or its and it’s, and how to choose the right spelling in a dictation.

How to pronounce -ed endings (/t/, /d/, /ɪd/) and -s endings (/s/, /z/, /ɪz/) in English, with rules, examples and why these endings are so easy to miss when listening.

Connected speech explained with examples: linking, elision (dropped sounds), assimilation and intrusion, the rules behind them, and how to understand fast spoken English.

Improve your English listening with a practical routine: choose the right audio, use dictation and transcripts, and learn to hear connected speech.

Build your English listening skills with short A1 exercises, a step-by-step dictation routine, and practical tips for understanding everyday speech.

What the CEFR English levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 mean, what you can understand when listening at each one, and how to find and improve your level.

Test your English listening for free: a short listening test at each level from A1 to C1, checked word by word. Or take the 5-minute test to find your level.

IELTS listening practice tips: how the test works, how bands compare with CEFR levels, and how daily dictation trains the spelling, accents and fast speech the test checks.

Learn what dictation is, how to practise step by step, and how listening and writing can help you notice English sounds, spelling and grammar.

Classroom dictation ideas for English teachers, including running dictation, dictogloss and peer work, with practical steps for feedback and different levels.