Tips for Listening

Ideas and advice from EC members on best ways to learn English

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KuteSophia
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Post by KuteSophia »

I see that there are more questions than answers on listening skill. I myself have met a lot difficulties with Listening too. I try several ways to improve this skill but until now to me, it remains the weakest skill. Below are several methods I did try

-Hearing without attention by playing audio news almost day. it bores me sometimes.
-Listening with high attention with tape scrip. (Without reading scrip first, I can understand the general idea only. I just catch the details when i read the scrip). Sometimes I understand exactly every word in the sentence but i still cannot catch up with the idea of the speaker.
-Watching film with/without subtitle. With subtitle, it's so easy. However, without is so funny because with this method I seem to forget all the dialogues in the film and focus on actions on the screen only. Sometimes I try to listen, but almost details i get about the film are via eyes than ears.

Are there any effective methods you did try?
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Just listen again and again.

Post by luckylock »

I have ever read some skills of improving English ability of a book written by a Korean. I try it, and I feel his way is good. That book's name is "Not study, but learn".

1.Choose a English tape. Be careful! It cannot have any other language but English. And it's not too difficult to you.

2.Listen it again and again. Don't look up any words in dictionary. Don't care about understand or not. Just listen. Until you can "hear" every words or sounds.

3.Change another tape and repeat the ways above.

His methods have five steps. I mentioned above is one of them. The first step is just only to promote your listening ability. My process is second step now and I feel greater. I think you can try it.
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Bambang
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Post by Bambang »

I have been trying to watch any English program on tv without looking at the subtitle. It was hard at firts, but my listening skills are getting better now.
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Post by ahmedxzxz »

HI EVERYONE,,I THINK THAT LISTENING AND SPEAKING ARE IN ONE CIRCLE,,IF YOU SPEAK WELL(IMEAN IF YOUR PRONUNCIATION IS WELL)YOUR LISTENING SKILL WILL BE WELL,TOO.
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Re: Just listen again and again.

Post by BenWizard »

luckylock wrote:I have ever read some skills of improving English ability of a book written by a Korean. I try it, and I feel his way is good. That book's name is "Not study, but learn".

1.Choose a English tape. Be careful! It cannot have any other language but English. And it's not too difficult to you.

2.Listen it again and again. Don't look up any words in dictionary. Don't care about understand or not. Just listen. Until you can "hear" every words or sounds.

3.Change another tape and repeat the ways above.

His methods have five steps. I mentioned above is one of them. The first step is just only to promote your listening ability. My process is second step now and I feel greater. I think you can try it.
My native language is Spanish and I want to improve my English language skills. Could you tell me or any body where I can get that book "Not study, but learn"?. I couldn't find it in Amazon.com. Thanks a lot friends.
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Post by vinhtruong »

Listenning skill is really difficile. Although I listen English everyday, but my skill isn't improve. I think my methodology isn't right. Therefor it's so great if you show me the best way to improve listenning skill.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by denvinbo »

I listen to English news 2 hours a day...so my listening skill is better now.... :D :D :D but not only listening to the news, but also listening to English lesson or a lesson in magazines................
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by lovecindy »

:) Hello, everyone. I'm from China. And I'm an English learner.
I've kept listening news of CNN or AP for nearly half a year, about an hour per day.
:?: But I find that I'm still not very good at some accents or dialects, as well as some connected speeches. And I'm not familiar with the cultures of both UK or USA.
Get busy living or get busy dying.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by forum »

Yes, learning the culture is very important!

I have seen some students who can speak English well, but because they don't know the culture, they do not know WHAT to talk ABOUT!

One great way to learn culture is reading online newspapers. Don't just read the news articles, but also read the opinion articles (these days many online newspapers have blogs and other opinion based articles).

I also write about culture at my site: http://askjohn.seesaa.net/
John
Free English Lessons: http://www.askjohnenglish.com/
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by emilykorea »

thanks for sharing..:)
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nat
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by nat »

One of the best way to improve listening is listening to English and American songs.Begin with songs of Madonna, Beatles.Their songs are quite understandable for learners of English.Listen and try to put down words.Listen one and the same song until you understand and put down every word you hear.It's not so difficult and moreover it's not boring!Good luck! ;-)
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by Bambang »

bestvni wrote:My favorite way to improve my listening skilll is listen to the radio in english!
I like doing this, too.
We're all friends, right?
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by Cossette »

To improve my listening skill, I keep on watching news on TV such as the BBC and CNN. I also watch English movies.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by Krisha »

I have difficulty in listening especially if i watch british english movies like harry potter. The intonation and the accent is hard to comprehend.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by MattNickson »

yup yup thats way way better ,meeting a native english speaking person .
But watching movies and listening to songs also helps a lot .

best Of Luck :)

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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by kasunsilva »

The best thing is to practise with a native speaker. If you can't, watching DVDs with subtitles will help, and BBC/ CNN news if you can get it (if you video a TV programme, you can watch it slowly and it will be easier to understand.)
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by frdsmth »

Listen for name

Repeat a person’s name when you first meet him or her. This will make you listen first and talk second. You want to have a mental set to become a better listener, and repeating a person’s name will help you do that.

Don’t hesitate to ask a person to repeat the name the second time, especially if the name is unusual. You are showing concern for the other person, which is an important aspect of listening.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by Jessica »

1. Ask the speaker to speak more slowly. The person speaking wants you to understand, so they are happy to slow down - but you need to ask them.

2. Ask people to repeat what they have said if you didn't understand. Again, the speaker is trying to have a conversation and will do what they can to help you.

3. Watch English television programs and movies aimed for children and teenagers. They use a level of English that is good for learners. Most countries offer cable television from other cultures.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by englishhelps »

You have to avoid external distractions. If you're practicing your listening skills by talking to someone, do it in a quiet room that doesn't have that many distractions like paintings or appliances.

If you're going to practice using songs, settle for the slower songs first.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by englishhelps »

You can also play a game to practice your listening skills. This should be done in groups. This is a game called "pass the message". Form a line and the one in front should write down a paragraph. Then he should read the message to the person behind him. He should whisper the message to him. Then the 2nd person should whisper whatever it is that he remembered from the message passed to him. It is important that the others don't hear what you're saying. Then this goes on until the last person and the last person should go up front and write down what he heard. Then compare notes to see if you did well.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by englishhelps »

Also, stand close to the speaker when you're listening. However, be aware that some cultures are particular about their personal space so don't stand too close. A good rule is the one arm's length rule so don't go beyond that.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by englishhelps »

Also, make sure that you're receptive in your actions. Show that you are ready to listen. If you're not focused, it will show and you might offend the speaker.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by englishhelps »

You are also encouraged to ask questions! But don't answer a question with a question. Always actively listen so you know how to answer the speaker's questions.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by englishhelps »

When listening, don't try to finish the speaker's sentences! This can be rude and is not healthy in developing your listening skills.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by englishhelps »

After listening to what the speaker has to say, ask open ended questions. This will encourage a healthy discussion rather than close ended questions.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by englishhelps »

Always be comfortable when listening. Sit comfortably but don't slouch.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by clevermae »

It's the right way to learn! Internal auditors must be able to write, speak, and listen in anyway. Of these three skills, effective listening may be the most crucial because auditors are required to do it so often.
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Matian
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by Matian »

Hello everybody,
I'm sure this situation seem familiar to you? Your English is progressing well, the grammar is now familiar, the reading comprehension is no problem, you are communicating quite fluently, but: Listening is STILL a problem!

First of all, remember that you are not alone. Listening comprehension is probably the most difficult task (noun=exercise, job) for almost all learners of English as a foreign language. So, now you know you are not alone....! OK. The most important thing is to listen, and that means as often as possible. The next step is to find listening resources. This is where the Internet really comes in handy (idiom = to be useful) as a tool for English students

Have you ever asked youself ‘How do humans learn their first languages?;

Yes,remember the time when We sit in our diapers and listen to it for about two years, without saying a word. Then we start to mimic, learn constructions, vocabulary, expressions etc.

Why shouldn't it be the same for adults? we can all learn a great deal by
passive listening even as beginners.

Here are a few tips to help you develop your English listening skills
1.When you first start working on your listening skills it is best to do a lot of passive listening or better yet hearing.listening to English radio,news on BBC.

Surround yourself with English when you are not paying attention, like when you are doing the dishes, cooking, surf the Internet or cleaning. Doing this allows your ears to get used to the sounds of English.

After a while you will start to notice that you are able to find English words more easily, express yourself better and also your pronunciation will improve. It depends on the person but hearing English is the first step to improving your Listening comprehension.

2.Accept the fact that you are not going to understand everything.

3.Keep cool (idiom=stay relaxed) when you do not understand - even if you continue to not understand for a long time.

4.Do not translate into your native language (synonym=mother tongue),that’s the worst thing that students usually do.

5.Listen to something you enjoy,like some of the songs you are into (like) it,and check the lyrics out if you need - pop songs are full of cliches and common phrases which you can use in your own speaking and even writing or the movie or series you’re interested,don’t limit yourself just on educational materials. Watch TVs or movies, the pictures of which will help your understanding. With DVD there is the added advantage that you can pause or rewind them as often as you like, in order to catch what is being said or note down useful spoken expressions. Don't forget to record some useful phrases in your vocabulary list!
for further information you can fallow me in my website:
http://englishbyidioms.com/common-quest ... ng-skills/
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by easylsl »

I am a good listener but sometimes i don't get what the speaker is saying some words i am not able to get how to improve that ??
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by writing »

I would suggest of watching English movies with sub-titles. After few movies, I am sure you will have a pair of good ears towards accent and vocabulary.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by writing »

Well if it is a problem of accent, watch movies..and if there is other thing, I am sure you have a problem with concentration.. don't worry, it's common.. focus more and you will get that :)
easylsl wrote:I am a good listener but sometimes i don't get what the speaker is saying some words i am not able to get how to improve that ??
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by azoozi »

Hello everybody ,

My listening skill is so bad :oops: , and i get bad marks in an exams :cry:
But when i start do practise .

SO, PLEASE GIVE ME GOOD SOLUTIONS :roll:
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by azoozi »

Hello everybody ,

My listening skill is so bad :shock: , and i get bad marks in an exams :cry:
But when i start do practise .

SO, PLEASE GIVE ME GOOD SOLUTIONS ". :idea:
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amalia
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Post by amalia »

justinlan wrote:but how to improve listening efficiently :?
what you have said is similar with what I have faced last time, dealing with that problem, I try to look for the solution from my teacher or my senior, but it does not work at all, then I try to change the concept of my thought related with listening, listening is not difficult, it is easy when I want to learn it, to the point, here are some technique how to improve your listening based on my experience :
1. Change your mindset that listening is difficult, it is totally easy
2. Start to listen simple English song and try to follow it, it is also possible for you to guess the contain of the songs, then check it by searching the lyrics
3. Do you like watching movie? it can help you, just look for the movie that has the subtitles on it, while you practice to listen you also add your vocabulary competence here.
in the following time, when you are ready just watch the movie that does not provides the subtitle
4. If you have smartphone, you can download listening application or game based on you willingness
ya that's all my tips, hopefully it will help you someday
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amalia
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by amalia »

if you have smartphone, you can use this by downloading listening application.you can deal with it wherever and whenever you want, it will be a flexible tool for you and surely It will help you to improve your listening skill.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by ritzkevin »

I'm an English tutor teaching English online through Skype. One of the tips that I usually give to my students when it comes to listening is to get rid of distractions while listening (internal and external). The internal distractions are easier to manage by the person himself.
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CoachAndrea
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by CoachAndrea »

Hi! Here are a few tips to improve your English listening!

http://englishretreats.ca/english-learn ... e-context/
www.englishretreats.ca
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by CharnaySeba »

I would like to see more tips to improve listening, just keep them coming. :mrgreen:
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ellajames
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by ellajames »

my listening power is very week but i follow your tips so i hope all is well.
i am online worker and now i am workig for my new website NetworthBox.http://networthbox.com/
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by Kitsich »

CoachAndrea wrote:Hi! Here are a few tips to improve your English listening!
Very helpful and practical. Thanks for sharing.
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by RachRam »

Hello there,
Hope you are doing well. I highly recommend this application in case you are trying to improve your listening! The application uses a text to speech algorithm which helps you to listen to everything and hence even improving your pronunciations. Download now:
Listen'em-Play News on the go! - Android Apps on Google Play
Listen 'em on the App Store
Get the benefit of:
1. Improving your listening
2. Stay updated with the latest news
3. Stay tuned to the Vocabulary channel
4. Listen anytime, anywhere
5. Download while you are connected to the internet and listen at a later time.
Note: Best to download the application while you are connected to the wifi , as it takes time for the initial download of the application.
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Re:

Post by Reetagms »

passionatelo wrote:Hi friends,

To me listening skill is extremely difficult. And I think that hard-working is still the solution. But I wonder of the method to practise listening skill efficiently. There are two people who told me two tips.
:roll: One said that I haven't to read the paragraph in textbook before listening, I have to try to listen and from obtained words I'll guess the whole meaning of the sentence.

:roll: The other said to me that I should read the text before or together with listening because there're usually some new words in the paragraph what make listening skill to be difficult.

So which method is better, which method should I choose? Or should I combine two methods? :?:

Thank you so much!
try second method for start up note and then apply second method it makes sense.
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Re:

Post by ahmedmorocco »

justinlan wrote: Tue Jan 24, 2006 6:54 am but how to improve listening efficiently :?
Simply, you listen a native speaker

tv News, movies, song etc
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by BloomingMarvelous »

There are some fun suggestions and tips on this blog post on how to improve your listening skills! through pdocasts.


There are also links to podcasts to save time searching :-D
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by Eulalia »

I fully support a listening podcasts idea! Also, I think that youtube channels work perfectly because this content isn’t boring and too much official. Studying physics in college I prefer to watch highly specialized channels like Flipping Physics. I learn English in this way and it helps to complete my homework assignments so, I can kill two birds with one stone :-)
I use homework tips from this academic blog https://assignment.essayshark.com/physics-help Assignment.Essayshark is my quick fix
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by justoneplay »

Hi!
About listening, it works perfectly for me "shadowing”, there are many videos on YouTube, also I have CDs in my car and while I am driving to work I listen and shadow the listening.
Also reading aloud has worked for me, speaking in front of a mirror also is a good technique. What is difficult for me are the “collocations”, as I am not living in an English speaking country.
Repetitions are excellent too, you listen, and pause the video and repeat what the person said, try to imitate all sounds…there is this internet site: VOA Special English….excellent.
Well Good luck!
"Education is not the learning of facts,but the training of the mind to think."
Albert Einstein
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Emissilem
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by Emissilem »

Thank you for these tips these all are very helpful
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by DFJames »

Hello justoneplay:

I have collected some useful information on my website which explains how to "learn English with your ears". There are links to free resources such as the BBC, TED.com and others and a number of other suggestions on how to use the audio/visual link when learning English.
Here's the page:
https://davidfjames.com/how-to-learn-english/

David F. James
Get my FREE Vocabulary Builder course here:
https://davidfjames.thinkific.com
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by LasithaNipun »

Hey,

you can improve you listening skils waching songs Lyrics. I will add few samples.

Enjoy Bad Guy - Billie Eilish with Lyrics [youtube]https://youtu.be/cLVlldX5G8g[/youtube]

Enjoy Ed Sheeran Beautiful People feat Khalid Lyrics [youtube]https://youtu.be/9iPEgGO6_Wc[/youtube]

Enjoy Post Malone Goodbyes ft Young Thug Rated PG Lyrics [youtube]https://youtu.be/4Bmzhd_tQfg[/youtube]

Thanks. {-:
Improve Your English Reading, Listening, Speaking skills and collect new Vocabulary with songs Lyrics. Follow
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Re: Tips for Listening

Post by LasithaNipun »

Enjoy Post Malone wow Lyrics

Said she tired of lil' money, need a big boy
Pull up twenty inch blades like I'm Lil' Troy
Now it's everybody flockin', need a decoy
Shawty mixin' up the vodka with the LaCroix, yeah
G-wagen, G-Wagen, G-Wagen, G-Wagen
All the housewives pullin' up (up, up, up)

Listening -[youtube]https://youtu.be/6byQoJ6PKxM[/youtube]
Improve Your English Reading, Listening, Speaking skills and collect new Vocabulary with songs Lyrics. Follow
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