The first word for many of the sentences/clauses is not clear (or missing entirely) from the audio. Is anyone else experiencing this?

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Accepted Answer

Bonjour Ann,
Having listened to the audio recording several times, the words at the beginning of each sentence/clause seem clear. Listening several times would help and I am sure those words would become easier to hear. 
Bonne journée!

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Just checked it and it is working perfectly for me, apart from 'Mon' initially being slightly lower volume but still clear. Best to report through support if persists, but a local problem may underlie this.

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I have exactly the same feeling as Ann.

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Sounds crisp and clear to me.

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Bonjour Ann,I personally noticed that sometimes the quality of my internet connection (which is more than inconsistent!) had an impact on the fluidity of audio files in general, and dictations "snippets" in particular. That might explain the difficulties you (and others) are experiencing, as this specific dictée plays perfectly smoothly for me, and each word is clear to my native ears (as this C1 text is read at natural speed).Please let us know if you encounter this issue persistently and consistently, and we'll check on our end :)I hope that's helpful!Bonne journée !

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No, but a difficulty I had was fitting that initial word into context as I had forgotten what had come before it. It would be helpful if I were able to see what I had written so far and perhaps then I would have been able to work it out.

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As frustrating as it may be, the spoken French at this level should have a natural flow where, as has been pointed out, some letters are lightly touched on and even appear to disappear. That’s the beauty of the dictation exercise - to make you listen and think harder about what has been said.

Eh Chris, Scotland !! That’s so funny. I’ll let you off, it’s St Andrew’s Day today