Enhancing your English listening skills is crucial for effective communication and language proficiency. Daily dictation exercises are a proven method to sharpen these skills. Listening and transcribing what you hear not only boosts your ability to understand spoken English but also expands your vocabulary and helps develop English reflexes.
Dictation is a widely recognized technique used in language education and assessments. In this method, a passage is read aloud, and learners must accurately transcribe what they hear. This can be practiced using various listening sources such as videos, audios, recordings, and podcasts featuring native speakers with either British or American accents.
You can choose from a wide range of topics that are easier to listen to, including education, environment, work, school, subjects, and preparation for tests like IELTS, TOEIC, and TOEFL.
Step 1 - Start Listening
Begin by selecting a listening source that matches your skill level. Pause the video after hearing a sentence of about 5-10 words, and jot down what you hear. Continue this process until the end of the listening material. Repeat the listening 1-2 more times to refine your skills.
Step 2 - Compare the Transcript with Your Dictation
After listening to the entire lesson approximately three times, compare your notes with the transcript. Correct any mistakes and fill in any gaps. This comparison will help you identify common errors and avoid them in actual tests.
Step 3 - Correct Pronunciation Errors through Reading
Look up any unfamiliar words in the dictionary to ensure correct pronunciation. Read the entire transcript aloud and record yourself. By listening to your recording, you can compare your pronunciation with that of native speakers, which is essential for improving your listening and comprehension skills.
Step 4 - Listen to the Audio Over and Over Again
Repeatedly listening to the audio will enhance your English listening reflexes and help you memorize useful vocabulary.
For further support, consider using the software "Go Dictation" developed by Nguyen Van Duy. You can reach out via call, SMS, or Zalo at 0868934697, visit his Facebook page at facebook.com/duy.pablo, or send an email to [email protected].