Write From Dictation(WFD)
23% of WRITING13% of LISTENINGSentence plays ONCE — budget ~1 minute each
3–4 short sentences. Every correct word = 1 mark. The most mechanical marks in the exam — if you use the right order.
The Format
- Audio
- One short sentence, played ONCE
- Your job
- Type it word-for-word
- Scoring
- 1 point per correct word · 0 for incorrect · you DON'T get −1
The Scoring
1
Each correct word
Right word, right spelling, right place. One misspelled word = one mark gone.
0
Incorrect / extra words
No negative marking — doubtful? Add the extra words and you'll be fine.
23% of Writing + 13% of Listening from one task type — the single biggest listening–writing double-scorer.
The System
The Listen-First Method
1
LISTEN
Hear the FULL sentence first
Do not type while it plays — typing steals your listening.
2
KEYWORDS
Content words first
Type the nouns · verbs · numbers: 'library holds collection journals'.
3
FILL
Now add the small words
'The library holds an extensive collection of academic journals.'
4
PROOFREAD
Every word, every spelling
One misspelled word = one mark gone.
The 3 killers: missing small words ('a', 'the', 'has') · misspelled academic words · typing while listening. The fix: 20–25 WFD sentences every single day.
Avoid
The 4 Traps That Cost You the Task
✕ Typing while listening
Typing steals your listening — hear the full sentence first, then type.
✕ Missing small words
'a', 'the', 'has', plural -s — the classic silent killers of WFD marks.
✕ Misspelled academic words
Spelling is binary per word: one misspelling = that mark gone. Drill your demons.
✕ Leaving anything blank
1 point per correct word, 0 for wrong ones, no −1. When doubtful, add the extra words — partial answers always pay.
Daily Drills
- →Practice 25 Write From Dictation sentences every day — that's how you improve.
- →Score each attempt word by word and log every missed small word or misspelling.
- →Redo yesterday's missed sentences before starting today's 25.
Memory Hooks
LISTEN → KEYWORDS → FILL → PROOFREAD1 point per word · no −1 · never blank'a' / 'the' / 'has' = the silent killers25 WFD a day