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LANGUAGE STUDY
152 Pages, 8.5 x 11
Formats: Paperback
Paperback, $38.00 (US $38.00) (CA $53.00)
Publication Date: January 2014
ISBN 9780866473576
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 audio program provides all dictations read by native speakers for classroom or self-study use.
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.