Guides
English learning tips, study methods, and product news.
We Counted 12,932 Listening Mistakes. Learners Miss the Words They Already Know
Data from 14,039 dictated sentences by 325 English learners in 64 countries. The most-missed words are is, the, a, it and to — and in real speech, more than half of all mistakes are words that were never heard at all.
The 7 Best Free English Dictation Websites (2026)
An honest, hands-on comparison of free English dictation practice sites — what's actually free, where you need an account, and which tool fits which learner.
Short Isn't Easy: How to Pick a YouTube Video for English Listening Practice
We measured the speech rate of the videos everyone recommends to beginners. The one-minute clips came out harder than a five-minute conversation. Here is what actually decides whether a video is right for your level — and a checklist for picking one.
Why You Understand Every Word — But Still Can't Hear the Sentence
You know the words. You've studied for years. So why does spoken English still turn into a blur? The answer is connected speech — linking, weak forms, and reductions — and here's how to train your ear for it.
TOEIC Listening: A Part-by-Part Dictation Training Guide
Doing more practice tests measures your TOEIC listening score — it rarely raises it. Here is a part-by-part dictation method for LC Parts 2, 3 and 4, with a four-week routine built on 24 business-English lessons.
How to Practice English Dictation: The 15-Minute Daily Method
A simple, repeatable dictation routine that turns vague listening into precise understanding — 15 minutes a day, one sentence at a time.