Conclusion
The pair-dictation activity I have described can be used in any classroom situation, with students of varying interest and ability; as an entire class lesson, warm up activity, or supplement to a textbook lesson. Although the preparation of materials for this pair-dictation activity entails some considerable time and effort, the materials can be reused for several years; as long as the topics chosen remain relevant. Careful elimination of specificity in the the stories allows for a longer life-span. These activities require intensive teacher participation, with the instructor constantly monitoring student performance. While this may be tiring for many, the results of this effort; students fully absorbed and actively engaged in learning, provides substantial satisfaction to all involved; and the results, in rapidly improving language skills, is a further reward. The almost universal positive student response is an added plus.