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List of Dictation Words in English

Dictation words in English are words spoken aloud by a teacher or speaker for students to write down. This exercise helps improve spelling, listening, and writing skills. Here, we have discussed a grade-wise list of dictation words in English to support students in strengthening language and vocabulary skills.
authorImageShivam Singh26 Oct, 2025
Dictation Words

Dictation Words in English

Dictation words are used in classrooms to help students improve their spelling, listening, and writing skills. In a dictation activity, a teacher reads out words or sentences, and students write them down as they hear them. This not only strengthens spelling and pronunciation but also improves concentration and memory.

The right dictation words are often selected based on the student’s grade level and vocabulary familiarity. Below, you will find lists grouped by class and difficulty level to support progressive learning and help students build their language skills step by step.

Read More: Singular and Plural Words

Dictation Words for Class 1

These are basic dictation words in English for beginners. They are short, phonetically simple, and perfect for students just starting to write independently.

  • Cat

  • Hat

  • Sun

  • Dog

  • Pin

  • Sit

  • Bat

  • Fish

  • Book

  • Tree

Dictation Words for Class 2

Students in Class 2 are introduced to slightly longer words with simple syllables and familiar contexts.

  • Chair

  • Tiger

  • Train

  • Mango

  • Smile

  • Climb

  • River

  • Hand

  • Pencil

  • Stone

Read More:  Root Words

Dictation Words for Class 3

Dictation words for Class 3 often include double consonants, digraphs, and longer vowel sounds.

  • Purple

  • Honest

  • Winter

  • Spoon

  • Village

  • Market

  • Cherry

  • Joker

  • Animal

  • Sound

Dictation Words for Class 4

Words become longer and introduce slightly more complex phonetic structures.

  • Journey

  • Accident

  • Emotion

  • Laughter

  • Weather

  • Capture

  • Future

  • Garden

  • Patient

  • Neighborhood

Read more: Words Start With I

Dictation Words for Class 5

These include polysyllabic words that challenge the student’s spelling and understanding of word parts.

  • Comfortable

  • Poetry

  • Environment

  • Courageous

  • Lavender

  • Attitude

  • Gratitude

  • Refrigerator

  • Compulsory

  • Thoughtfulness

Dictation Words for Class 6

Words at this level may have silent letters, complex suffixes or prefixes, and multisyllabic structures.

  • Encyclopaedia

  • Vacation
    Biscuit

  • Diabetics

  • Prudent

  • Psychology

  • Column

  • Philosophy

  • Technology

  • Insurance

Read More: Compound Words

Dictation Words for Class 7

More advanced vocabulary with abstract meanings or challenging spellings.

  • Investigation

  • Realisation

  • Exhaustion

  • Performance

  • Revolution

  • Magazine

  • Nutrition

  • Appearance

  • Malfunction

  • Dermatologist

Dictation Words for Class 8

These words demand a high level of attention to spelling patterns, root words, and contextual usage.

  • Independence

  • Patriotism

  • Syllabification

  • Communication

  • Appreciation

  • Questionable

  • Ambiguation

  • Longevity

  • Vengeance

  • Misunderstanding

Read more: Two Letter Words in English

10 Dictation Words in English

If you are beginning to explore dictation practice, here is a set of 10 simple dictation words in English. These are suitable for early learners:

  1. Glass

  2. Rain

  3. Jump

  4. Leaf

  5. Nest

  6. Door

  7. Pen

  8. Bell

  9. Doll

  10. Bag

Alphabetical Dictation Words  (Intermediate to Advanced)

Here’s a small alphabetical selection of intermediate and advanced-level dictation words for students looking to expand their vocabulary:

  • A – Accomplish, Ambition

  • B – Benefit, Bicycle

  • C – Courage, Campaign

  • D – Diversity, Development

  • E – Environment, Evidence

  • F – Freedom, Foundation

  • G – Generation, Globalization

  • H – Hospitality, Harmony

  • I – Inspiration, Immigration

  • J – Journalism, Journey

  • K – Knowledge, Kinship

  • L – Leadership, Literature

  • M – Motivation, Management

  • N – Nostalgia, Novelty

  • O – Opportunity, Observation

  • P – Perception, Performance

  • Q – Question, Quickness

  • R – Resilience, Responsibility

  • S – Success, Strength

  • T – Teamwork, Tradition

  • U – Understanding, Utilization

  • V – Victory, Vision

  • W – Wisdom, Well-being

  • X – Xenophobia, Xylophone

  • Y – Yearning, Youth

  • Z – Zeal, Zenith

Read More: Jumbled words

Why Dictation Words Matter for Students

Dictation isn’t just about testing spelling. It offers a range of learning benefits for students:

  • Improves spelling memory: Writing words after hearing them helps strengthen visual memory and spelling recall.

  • Enhances vocabulary: Learning word meanings and using them in context supports overall language development.

  • Boosts listening skills: Dictation trains students to recognize correct pronunciation and subtle sound differences.

  • Builds focus and attention: It requires careful listening and accurate writing, improving concentration.

  • Supports exam preparation: Dictation is often included in school tests and English language assessments.

Also read: How to Write 1500 in Words?

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Dictation Words FAQ

What are dictation words in English?

Dictation words are spoken aloud by a teacher or speaker, and students write them down. This activity helps improve spelling, listening, and writing skills.

Can dictation help with pronunciation too?

Yes. Listening to how words are spoken and writing them down improves your ability to recognize and pronounce words correctly.

How are dictation words selected for different grades?

Dictation words are usually chosen based on grade level. Younger students get simple, phonetic words, while older students work with longer and more challenging vocabulary.

How often should students practice dictation words?

Practicing 5 to 10 dictation words daily is a good habit. Regular practice leads to better results in spelling tests and vocabulary usage.

Is dictation the same as a spelling test?

Not exactly. A spelling test checks if you can spell a word from memory, while dictation also tests your listening and comprehension skills.
Curious Jr By PW

Curious Jr By PW

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