Dictogloss

Students listen to a short text, note keywords, then reconstruct it in groups.

Procedure

1. Pre-teach key vocabulary from the text.
2. Read the text at natural speed — students listen for gist only (no notes).
3. Read again — students jot down keywords and content words only.
4. In small groups, students reconstruct the text from their combined notes.
5. Groups compare their version with the original and discuss differences.

Tips

• Keep texts short: 50-100 words, with target grammar structures embedded naturally.
• Remind students to write keywords, not full sentences, during the second listen.
• Use the comparison stage to highlight grammar patterns, not to penalise differences.