Dictation pronunciation practice
I have written pairs of words that differ by only one vowel, or have other minor differences in pronunciation.
I have cut a hole in a manila envelope, so that only one pair shows at a time. I give the envelope to each student in
turn, and he reads the words two or three times so that his classmates can write them down. I have found this to be
useful as a pronunciation and listening exercise.
Click on the link below to download pronunciation pairs.
Pronunciation pairs
Old fashioned French Dictée
Teachers of French to French students use the dictée a lot. The teacher reads a paragraph through
at normal speed once, then reads it slowly in small segments, repeating each segment two or three times, then reads it a normal
speed once again. Students write down what they hear. It tests listening, comprehension, spelling, and grammar.
I don't use it very often. It is a humbling experience. You think your students understand everything you say,
but after a dictee, you realize that those smiles and nods have more to do with politeness than with comprehension.
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