Once you have the script from a recorded listening activity (like one made in Audacity), Google Docs becomes a fast way to build a range of activities around that same text. A short two-to-three-minute recording is typically enough text to fill a full page and support several different task types — all built from the same source material.

Why use this tool?

Working from a script you've already recorded means you're not creating content from scratch each time — you're just repackaging the same text into different task formats. This makes it realistic to generate several distinct activities from a single short recording, rather than needing new material for each one.

Google Docs also makes teacher and student copies easy to manage: build the teacher's copy first (with answers included), then duplicate it and remove the answers to create the student version. A QR code linking to the hosted audio can also be added at the top of the page, or a link placed in the footer, so students can access the audio directly from their phones.

Three activity types to try

1. Word puzzle (gap fill)

Students listen and fill in missing words from the transcript, with or without a clue provided. This flips a typical listening task around and pushes students to notice specific language, sometimes picking up more than they would from listening alone. A short comprehension quiz can be added at the end for extra practice.

2. Matching chart

Students listen and match each item mentioned to a description that was said in the audio (for example, matching a fruit to whether it's described as "sticky," "juicy," or "has seeds"). This can be extended into a speaking activity, where students note their own opinions and then discuss with a partner.

3. Multiple choice quiz

A more traditional format: a set of multiple choice questions (for example, 10 questions) based on the audio content, with a teacher's copy showing the answers and a student copy with them removed.

How to use it

1. Start from your recorded script. Use the text from an existing audio recording as your source material.
2. Choose an activity format. Decide whether a gap fill, matching chart, or multiple choice quiz best fits what you want students to practice.
3. Build the teacher's copy first. Write out the full activity with all correct answers marked or filled in.
4. Duplicate and create the student copy. Copy the document, then remove the answers, add blanks, or hide the correct choices as needed.
5. Add access to the audio. Include a QR code at the top of the page (linking to your hosted audio, e.g. on SoundCloud) or place a link in the document's footer.

The main advantage here is efficiency: a single short recording can be turned into several different activity types, giving you a variety of classroom materials without needing to record or write new content for each one.