“Listening - Dictation” is always an effective method to help you improve your Listening skills and achieve high scores in the IELTS test. Once you have maintained a suitable learning method for yourself, you also need to look for quality listening practice materials and websites to get familiar with the structure of each type of test and diverse topics.
Join IDP to discover extremely effective Listening - Dictation practice websites to support you in the IELTS test preparation process and in daily life.
Why Use the Listen and Dictation Method?
Listening and dictation is a powerful technique that helps you strengthen your listening skills and achieve higher scores in the IELTS test. This method requires you to listen to a passage and write down everything you hear. Then, compare your transcript with the original to identify and correct mistakes.
Best Websites to Practice Listening and Dictation
1. IDP - IELTS Prepare
Website: https://ielts.idp.com/prepare
IDP’s official IELTS preparation site offers free dictation exercises on topics like Environment, Education, Family, and Career. Each audio includes a transcript for easy comparison and error analysis.
Exercises are arranged from basic to advanced. Beginners can start with simpler topics and gradually move to more challenging ones.
2. Listen A Minute
Website: www.listenaminute.com
This site provides nearly 500 one-minute audios organized alphabetically and by topic. Each lesson includes a transcript, allowing learners to quickly check their answers. Users can also download both audio and transcript for offline study.
3. Breaking News English
Website: www.breakingnewsenglish.com
This platform updates English news lessons regularly on current social topics. Audios are available in British and American accents, and learners can choose from various formats like True/False, Multiple Choice, and Dictation.
The site offers speed options from Slowest to Fastest, catering to all skill levels.
4. TED
Website: www.ted.com
TED provides academic and real-life listening content. Ideal for learners with at least an intermediate level of English, TED talks cover a wide range of topics and simulate real IELTS listening contexts.
The clean and engaging design keeps learners motivated to practice consistently.
5. Spotlight
Website: www.spotlightenglish.com
Spotlight features clear and slow-paced audio with academic and real-life topics like history, health, and art. Each episode usually involves two hosts and a main character.
Learners can download transcripts and save favorites for future practice.
6. VoiceTube
Website: www.voicetube.com
VoiceTube uses real YouTube videos to create listening exercises across all levels. Each sentence is available as individual audio with detailed transcripts and instant dictionary lookup.
You can also practice with different English accents such as American and British English.
7. Ello
Website: www.elllo.org
ELLLO is a massive free listening resource with downloadable lessons. Each audio, usually about 1 minute long, features speakers from various countries.
Lessons come with transcripts, quizzes, and multiple choice exercises to help reinforce vocabulary and comprehension.
8. BBC Learning English
Website: www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
BBC Learning English offers a wide range of themed listening lessons for all levels. Many audios include videos and cover diverse everyday and academic topics, expanding your general knowledge while improving listening skills.
9. IELTS Material
Website: www.ieltsmaterial.com
This site provides IELTS-style dictation practice using real test samples and top IELTS books. After completing exercises, you will receive instant results showing correct and incorrect answers.
Maximize Your Listening Practice with IDP
Use dictation not only to boost your IELTS Listening score but also to enhance real-world communication. Combine audio tracks with their transcripts to build vocabulary, improve sentence structure awareness, and become familiar with common IELTS themes.
With years of experience supporting IELTS test takers, IDP provides access to free preparation materials, expert tips, and video lessons from international trainers.
You can also join mock tests at IDP test centers, attend exclusive IELTS events, and access expert-led webinars to better understand exam strategies and common mistakes.
Register for the IELTS test with IDP today!