Basic Dictations

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Basic Dictations offers beginning-level English learners an accessible, engaging entry point into listening, speaking, and cultural awareness. Through 58 photocopiable lessons, the book transforms dictation―a classic language-teaching technique―into a dynamic, interactive learning experience. Each unit introduces students to essential grammar structures, everyday vocabulary, and fascinating people, places, and traditions from around the world, helping learners connect language development with global understanding.

The book features four types of dictations―partial, pair, prediction, and dictogloss―each designed to strengthen different listening, memory, grammar, and spoken language skills. These carefully scaffolded activities allow beginning learners to participate successfully while building confidence in understanding and processing spoken English. In addition to the dictation exercises, the book includes 18 supplementary listening activities that reinforce comprehension and encourage learners to discuss, respond, and actively use new language.

Clear lesson plans, photocopiable pages, and a free downloadable audio program make Basic Dictations a practical, ready-to-use resource for teachers in classrooms, tutoring programs, community ESL classes, and multilevel learning environments. Whether used as the foundation of a listening curriculum or incorporated into daily instruction, the activities foster language development, cultural curiosity, and meaningful communication.

• Free accompanying audio program, available to download from Pro Lingua Learning or stream on Pro Lingua Learning Audio.
• 58 photocopiable lessons designed specifically for beginning-level English learners.
• Four interactive dictation formats: partial, pair, prediction, and dictogloss.
• Includes 18 supplementary listening activities that extend comprehension and speaking practice.
• Culturally rich content introducing learners to countries, customs, and global perspectives.
• Teacher-friendly lesson design suitable for classrooms, tutoring centers, adult education, and community programs.
• Builds listening accuracy, note-taking skills, grammar awareness, memory, and spoken fluency.
• Ready-to-use photocopiable format requiring minimal preparation.

Download sample materials at:
https://www.prolingualearning.com/basic-dictations/

• Dictations for Discussion
• Interactive Dictations
• Great Dictations

Catherine Sadow, co-author (along with Judy DeFilippo) of Basic Dictations, taught at Northeastern University for 24 years has co--authored of 7 ESL books. Students from beginning to advanced levels often told her that "listening" was the most difficult problem for them in trying to speak English. With that challenge in mind, from 1987 (Talk Radio) to 2015 (Great Dictations), Catherine created effective and interesting listening activities which resulted in books for all levels.

Catherine began her ESL career at Brookline, MA Adult Education while completing an MA in TESL at Boston University. Although officially retired, she continues to teach ESL classes as a volunteer in Brookline to adults studying English.