Improving your English listening skills can be an engaging and rewarding journey. One effective technique to enhance your listening abilities is through daily dictation and everyday practice. This method involves listening to and transcribing spoken English, which not only helps you remember better but also expands your vocabulary and develops your English reflexes.

Dictation is a widely recognized technique in language teaching and testing. It involves a passage being read aloud, and the learner must write down what they hear as accurately as possible. This practice can be sourced from various materials such as videos, audio recordings, and podcasts featuring native speakers with either British or American accents. Topics can range from education, environment, work, school, and subjects to more specific exam-related content like IELTS, TOEIC, and TOEFL, making it easier for you to find content that suits your interests and proficiency level.

Step 1 - Start Listening

Begin by selecting a listening source that matches your skill level. Depending on your listening ability, pause the video after every sentence, which usually contains about 5-10 words, and take notes on what you hear. Continue this process until the end of the listening material. Repeat the listening 1-2 more times to further enhance your skills.

Step 2 - Compare the Transcript with Your Dictation

After completing the listening exercise around three times, compare your notes with the transcript. Correct any incorrect words and fill in any gaps you left blank. This step is crucial as it helps you identify common mistakes, enabling you to avoid them in future real tests.

Step 3 - Correct Pronunciation Errors through Reading

If you come across words you don't know how to pronounce or have pronounced incorrectly, look them up in a dictionary. Then, read the entire transcript aloud and record yourself. Listening back to your recording allows you to compare your pronunciation with that of a native speaker. Accurate pronunciation is essential for improving your listening and comprehension skills.

Step 4 - Listen to the Audio Over and Over Again

Repeating the listening exercise multiple times will enhance your English listening reflexes and help you remember a wide range of useful vocabulary.

For those looking for tools to aid in their dictation practice, consider using the software Go Dictation, developed by Nguyen Van Duy. For further support, you can reach out via call, SMS, or Zalo at 0868934697, visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/duy.pablo, or send an email to [email protected].