8 Dictation Activities you might like to try

DICTATION

Here are 8 Dictation Activities you might like to try

1.Topic Dictation

Dictate a text students have already worked on some time previously. Students only write down words connected with the main topic of the text (agreed with them in advance), e.g. articles of clothing, words connected with pollution, etc. It provides excellent revision of meaning and spelling. Students at lower language levels can be provided with a gapped text.

    2.Message dictation

    Divide the class into groups of three or four students. Prepare as many copies of a text for   the dictation, as you have groups. Choose one student from each group who will be a messenger.  Stick the texts with the dictation in different parts of the classroom. The messengers 'run' to  the text, then come back to their groups and dictate the text.

  3. Dictation-translation

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The teacher prepares a text in Russian and dictates it to the students.

The students write the dictation in English. The teacher should dictate each sentence two or three times, especially if the sentences are long.

4.Dicto-comp

The teacher reads a paragraph (not a sentence) three times. The students listen carefully, but do not make notes. After the third reading the students write the paragraph as well as they can from memory.

       5.Spelling dictation     

The teacher dictates the words by letters. For example, c-a-t or f-a-t-h-e-r. But the students write the words in full «cat», «father».

       6.Definition dictation

The teacher reads the definitions of the words, the students write the word itself. For example,

 the teacher says, ‘’The day between Friday and Sunday’’. The students write, «Saturday».

   7. Illustration dictation

     The teacher shows pictures to the students and they write the words or expressions  connected with the picture.

    8.Gap dictation

     The teacher shows a card with the first and last letter of the word. The students write the

whole word. For example, d------r. The students write «daughter». The students should know what words the teacher wants them to write.