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Dictations: Ordinary Spelling & Phonetic Script
Dictations: Ordinary Spelling & Phonetic Script
Dictations: Ordinary Spelling & Phonetic Script
Dictations
2012
Ordinary Spelling
1
Compiled by Prof. Cinthia P. Smith November, 2012
Dictation 1
a.
/
A: Right. Hes here.
B: Where?
A: Outside.
B: Which one?
A: Youll see. Hes wearing brown.
B: Anything else?
A: No. And when he looks at you, he looks like this.
b.
A: Left.
B: No, right.
A: I dont want to argue, but
B: Dont you remember that stone?
A: And it was after the stone.
B: It wasnt, you know.
A: Right. If you say so.
Dictation 2
a.
2
Compiled by Prof. Cinthia P. Smith November, 2012
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b.
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A: Well, I suppose that must be him.
B: I suppose so.
C: Not quite what I expected.
A: No, not really. Perhaps
C: Hold it. Yes, yes, its him alright. Remember, they said
Dictation 3
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'
In the next room, in the tall glass case standing alone, we have one of the treasures of the
collection. A Japanese vase made in Kyoto in the second half of the 19th century. The main part
of this small and delicate vase has a design of birds and plants on a white background. The
long and delicate neck has an abstract design of circles and shell shapes. It is in nearly perfect
condition.
Source: Rixon, S. (1988) Successful Listening for First Certificate. U. 1.3. UK: OUP.
3
Compiled by Prof. Cinthia P. Smith November, 2012
Dictation 4
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Vase A
th
This vase is also Japanese, and made in the 19 century, but it is much bigger and less delicate
looking that the previous vase. It has a broad base, and a design of white birds on a dark
background. It has a short white neck with two handles. The design of birds is repeated, but this
time, the birds are less realistic looking, and are on a white background.
Source: Rixon, S. (1988) Successful Listening for First Certificate. U. 1.3. UK: OUP.
Dictation 5
>
Source: Cunningham, S. and B. Bowler (1993): Headway Intermediate Pronunciation. Task 12.4.
UK: OUP.
Dictation 6
4
Compiled by Prof. Cinthia P. Smith November, 2012
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5
Compiled by Prof. Cinthia P. Smith November, 2012
Dictation 7
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6
Compiled by Prof. Cinthia P. Smith November, 2012
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7
Compiled by Prof. Cinthia P. Smith November, 2012
Dictation 8
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We may be a small country but we're a great one, too. The country of Shakespeare, Churchill,
the Beatles, Sean Connery, Harry Potter. David Beckham's right foot. David Beckham's left foot,
come to that. And a friend who bullies us is no longer a friend. And since bullies only respond to
strength, from now onward, I will be prepared to be much stronger. And the President should be
prepared for that.
Dictation 9
>
8
Compiled by Prof. Cinthia P. Smith November, 2012
Hello, Im Dawn and welcome to this issue of Morrisons magazine. I really hope youll like our
new look. Weve been working really hard to make sure that every page is absolutely perfect.
But more importantly, that it is really helpful for you. Weve got tons of fantastic recipes for you
to try, including how to cook our seasonal lemon sole. Also check out our recipe for the ultimate
Easter Sunday lunch, which again includes a great video. As a mum, Im always looking for
ways to entertain my children, but also to get them involved in and enjoying cooking.
Source: Excerpt from Morrisons Online Magazine. Issue 18. Accessed March, 2012. UK.
Dictation 10
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9
Compiled by Prof. Cinthia P. Smith November, 2012
'
* The speaker uses this weak form for the word your, which is fairly unusual in RP according to Prof. Wells.
Will: Oh, me. Yes, well. Ive got a two-year old, Ned. Hes erm got blue eyes, and
sort of sandy-coloured hair and hes about 2 foot 3 (2.3 foot). Erm and his mum
left him.
First woman: Really?
Will: Yeah, yeah well I mean obviously, it was a very big shock because we were so
happy, you know. Sandras neurology practice was just up and running and erm
And then one day her bags were packed and my best friend was waiting outside,
in his Ferrari. Yeah, you know the moderner, the one with a super charged
engine, the one where you can actually see the engines through the back
window?
Second woman: You got dumped, then?
Will: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Suzie: Er may I ask? Erdoes your ex see Ned at all?
Will: Well, er Sorry, I couldnt catch your name? Er
Suzie: Suzie.
Will: Suzie. Er She doesnt see much of him, no.
S: How does he cope with that?
W: You know hes a very good little boy. Very, very brave. Hes got amazing resources.
Just the other day, I was thinking about my ex, he came crawling up and put his
little pudgy arms around my neck, and he said You hang in there, Dad.
S: Thats amazing for a two-year old.
W: Is it?
The other women: Yes!
W: Yeah, well, he is very special, very very special. Sometimes I think hes the one
taking care of me, teaching me the ways of the world. Ugh, sorry.
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