Interactive Dictations: An Intermediate Listening/Speaking/Writing Text

Interactive Dictations transforms traditional dictation into a dynamic, communicative classroom tool that strengthens listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills simultaneously. Aimed at low-intermediate to intermediate learners, this text turns listening comprehension into active learning through cooperative exercises, problem-solving, and discussion. Each dictation begins with vocabulary and pronunciation preparation, followed by engaging listening passages on topics such as current events, cultural issues, and everyday situations. Students then expand the activity through pair and group discussion, role plays, and optional writing tasks.

The book features four distinct types of dictation—Partial (Cloze), Pair, Dictogloss, and Prediction—each promoting different listening and thinking skills. These varied formats keep lessons fresh and adaptable to multiple proficiency levels and teaching styles. With its focus on interaction, meaning-making, and collaboration, Interactive Dictations helps learners process language more deeply and use English more confidently. An optional downloadable audio program provides all dictations read by native speakers for classroom or self-study use.

Short Catalog Description
A communicative approach to dictation that develops listening, speaking, reading, and writing through interactive, problem-solving tasks. Includes four types of dictations, group discussions, and an optional downloadable audio program.

• *Free accompanying AUDIO program, available to download from http://prolingualearning.com or to stream on http://youtube.com/@ProLinguaLearningAudio
• Four types of dictations: Partial (Cloze), Pair, Dictogloss, and Prediction
• Low-intermediate to intermediate level content integrating multiple skills
• Vocabulary and pronunciation preparation for each dictation
• Follow-up discussions, writing tasks, role plays, and cooperative activities
• Realistic, thought-provoking topics drawn from news and everyday life
• Emphasis on communication, collaboration, and critical thinking
• Flexible design for classroom, tutoring, or self-study use

• Dictations for Discussion by Judy DeFilippo and Catherine Sadow — Extends dictation into higher-level listening, speaking, and critical thinking tasks using real-life decision-making scenarios.
• Basic Dictations by Catherine Sadow and Judy DeFilippo — Introduces dictation for beginning learners with short, accessible passages and structured comprehension practice.
• Great Dictations by Catherine Sadow and Judy DeFilippo — Provides intermediate-level dictations that develop listening fluency and accuracy through engaging short readings.
• Conversation Strategies by David Kehe and Peggy Dustin Kehe — Helps students apply their listening and speaking skills in real-time conversation using practical communication techniques.
• Whaddaya Say? Guided Practice in Understanding Fast English by Nina Weinstein — Builds authentic listening comprehension and pronunciation awareness through the study of connected and reduced speech.

Catherine Sadow, co-author (along with Judy DeFilippo) of Interactive 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 2013 ("Basic 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.