English Listening Comprehension
You should listen to different varieties of English, and become familiar with the kinds of language used in different situations, as well as varying native and non-native accents from different parts of the English-speaking world. Here are some things you can try:
1. Watch TVs or movies, the pictures of which will help your understanding. You can also borrow videos from video rental stores. With videos, 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!
2. Listen to pop or other songs and try to remember some of the lyrics - pop songs are full of cliches and common phrases which you can use in your own speaking and even writing.
3. Once you have reached a high level of English comprehension, try listening to the radio as well. Don't be disappointed if this is difficult at first - it is one of the hardest things to do in a foreign language, as there are no pictures to help you, the speed is generally very fast, and the language is full of typical formulae. Do write down some of the phrases and expressions you hear often, and try to use them yourself.
4. Dictation will also help you improve your listening comprehension.
5. Call Automated Answering Machine recordings.
6. Use Internet listening resources.
7. Talk to your friends over the telephone.
Here are some online radios which you can use to practice your listening comprehension
UK Radio(1)
UK Radio(2)
Canada Radio(1)
Canada Radio(2)
USA Radio(1)
Here are some online TV programs which you can use to practice your listening comprehension
UK TV(1)
UK TV(2)
USA TV(1)
USA TV(2)
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