Improving Listening Skills Listening Tips

Improving Listening Skills
Listening Tips

By Kenneth Beale
Top Related Searches
Listening Comprehension
Listening Resources
Reading Comprehension
English As A Foreign Language
Mother Tongue
English Students
Does 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. Here are some suggestions for interesting listening selections:

CC Pod-casts
Listen to All Things Considered news stories on NOR
Listen to the BBC.
Strategies

Once you have begun to listen on a regular basis, you might still be frustrated (adjective=upset) by limited understanding. What should you do?

Here is some of the advice I give my students:

Accept the fact that you are not going to understand everything.
Keep cool (idiom=stay relaxed) when you do not understand - even if you continue to not understand for a long time.
Do not translate into your native language (synonym=mother tongue)
Listen for the gist (noun=general idea) of the conversation. Don't concentrate on detail until you have understood the main ideas.
I remember the problems I had in understanding spoken German when I first went to Germany. In the beginning, when I didn't understand a word, I insisted on translating it in my mind. This approach (synonym=method) usually resulted in confusion. Then, after the first six months, I discovered two extremely important facts; Firstly, translating creates a barrier (noun=wall, separation) between the listener and the speaker. Secondly, most people repeat themselves constantly. By remaining calm (adjective=relaxed), I noticed that - even if I spaced out (idiom=to not pay attention) I could usually understand what the speaker had said. I had discovered some of the most important things about listening comprehension:
Translating creates a barrier between yourself and the person who is speaking

While you are listening to another person speaking a foreign language (English in this case), the temptation is to immediately translate into your native language. This temptation becomes much stronger when you hear a word you don't understand. This is only natural as we want to understand everything that is said. However, when you translate into your native language, you are taking the focus of your attention away from the speaker and concentrating on the translation process taking place in-improving Listening Skills
Listening Tips

By Kenneth Beale
Top Related Searches
Listening Comprehension
Listening Resources
Reading Comprehension
English As A Foreign Language
Mother Tongue
English Students
Does 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. Here are some suggestions for interesting listening selections:

CBC Pod-casts
Listen to All Things Considered news stories on NPR
Listen to the BBC.
Strategies

Once you have begun to listen on a regular basis, you might still be frustrated (adjective=upset) by limited understanding. What should you do?

Here is some of the advice I give my students:

Accept the fact that you are not going to understand everything.
Keep cool (idiom=stay relaxed) when you do not understand - even if you continue to not understand for a long time.
Do not translate into your native language (synonym=mother tongue)
Listen for the gist (noun=general idea) of the conversation. Don't concentrate on detail until you have understood the main ideas.
I remember the problems I had in understanding spoken German when I first went to Germany. In the beginning, when I didn't understand a word, I insisted on translating it in my mind. This approach (synonym=method) usually resulted in confusion. Then, after the first six months, I discovered two extremely important facts; Firstly, translating creates a barrier (noun=wall, separation) between the listener and the speaker. Secondly, most people repeat themselves constantly. By remaining calm (adjective=relaxed), I noticed that - even if I spaced out (idiom=to not pay attention) I could usually understand what the speaker had said. I had discovered some of the most important things about listening comprehension:
Translating creates a barrier between yourself and the person who is speaking

While you are listening to another person speaking a foreign language (English in this case), the temptation is to immediately translate into your native language. This temptation becomes much stronger when you hear a word you don't understand. This is only natural as we want to understand everything that is said. However, when you translate into your native language, you are taking the focus-of your attention away from the speaker and concentrating on the translation process taking place in your brain. This would be fine if you could put the speaker on hold (phrasal verb=to make a person wait). In real life however, the person continues talking while you translate. This situation obviously leads to less -not more- understanding. I have discovered that translation leads to a kind of block (noun=no movement or activity ) in my brain which sometimes doesn't allow me to understand anything at all!

Most people repeat themselves

Think for a moment about your friends, family and colleagues. When they speak in your native tongue, do they repeat themselves? I don't mean literally (adverb=word for word), I mean the general idea. If they are like most people I have met, they probably do. That means that whenever you listen to someone speaking, it is very likely (adjective=probable) that he/she will repeat the information, giving you a second, third or even fourth chance to understand what has been said.

By remaining calm, allowing yourself to not understand, and not translating while listening, your brain is free to concentrate on the most important thing: Understanding English in English.
 your brain. This would be fine if you could put the speaker on hold (phrasal verb=to make a person wait). In real life however, the person continues talking while you translate. This situation obviously leads to less -not more- understanding. I have discovered that translation leads to a kind of block (noun=no movement or activity ) in my brain which sometimes doesn't allow me to understand anything at all!

Most people repeat themselves

Think for a moment about your friends, family and colleagues. When they speak in your native tongue, do they repeat themselves? I don't mean literally (adverb=word for word), I mean the general idea. If they are like most people I have met, they probably do. That means that whenever you listen to someone speaking, it is very likely (adjective=probable) that he/she will repeat the information, giving you a second, third or even fourth chance to understand what has been said.

By remaining calm, allowing yourself to not understand, and not translating while listening, your brain is free to concentrate on the most important thing: Understanding English in English.

Improve your English skills

How to improve your spoken English Improve Your English Speaking and English Pronunciation Skills
My first piece of advice is not to get too hung up on trying to sound like a native speaker. Would you start learning the piano in an attempt to sound like Mozart? The first rule of speaking English is to learn to speak clearly and concisely and remember you won't just be speaking to native speakers: There are roughly 380 million native speakers out there, but as many as a billion people speak English as a second language, you do the maths.Try to avoid using idioms and slang (I always say learn it, but don't use it). It might sound clever to say "You're barking up the wrong tree," but if you use it in the wrong situation, or if the other person simply doesn't understand you, you'll only look silly when you try to explain what you meant to say, or what it actually means.
There's also a saying in English "Have you swallowed a dictionary?" It is applicable to anyone who uses long, complicated words when a shorter word will do. Short sentences are just as good (if not better) than long rambling explanations. The value in what you have to say is what you say, not how clever you look or sound when you say it. So it's a good idea to try to use simple, clear vocabulary, KISS - keep it short and simple, Here's a fun video that illustrates what I mean.English speaking tipsGet over any fear you might have of making mistakes. You will make mistakes.Be patient with yourself. Learning any language can be frustrating, but frustration won't help you, so let it go.Grasp every opportunity you have to speak with people in English.Talk to friends who are also learning English. Go out together for coffee and only speak English to each other!Read short stories out loud and try to see, say and hear the words to reinforce your memory. Record yourself and play it back later, how does it sound? Find English speaking friends:-You might not be able to find any friendly native speakers where you live, but If you can't find anyone who'll actually help you, don't worry, you'll still be able to figure out if they can understand you.Get onto Second Life. It's the one place I've found where you're guaranteed a conversation - it's an adult environment, and you won't always want to talk to the people you meet, but for every blood sucking vampire who asks if they can bite you, there are at least ten, nice people who just want to socialise. If you want a list of nice places to go, just contact me on the forum.There are several internet based voice chat programmes out there: iVisit | | MSN Web Messenger | Yahoo! Messenger | Google Talk | Skype and I'm sure there are lots more.Look for people with the same interests as you. It's no good asking everyone you meet to help you with your English, rather develop natural friendships based on your hobbies etc.. Eventually you will make friends and they will be much more likely to give you correction / guidance.Join an English club or conversation group. Around the world there are many English speaking clubs, these clubs aren't just for ex pats but for people interested in the English way of life. They can be friendly and fun. For a list of English clubs click here. Check magazines as well as your phone book, your local newspaper and your local university. Or if there isn't one in your area - start one! Place an advertise

meant in your newspaper for people interested in starting a group or go to Meetup.Visit an Irish/English/Australian theme pub or British food shop, you can usually find one in the larger cities. Often, the waiters and waitresses come from English-speaking countries, the menu is often in English too!Once your English is good enough, go shopping in some tourist areas. You'll find lots of shop assistants speak very good English.If you can travel to an English speaking country, do it.SingingTry singing along to English songs. With friends or in the privacy of your own bathroom. Lots of the major games consoles have karaoke games nowadays, like Sing Star on the Play-station.On the internet :- You can speak to me on Skype or in Second Life (see the forum calendar for times and dates) - you can also listen to or chat with other learners and native speakers there, or join one of the many social networking sites. They are all free, so there are no more excuses.On the network:- Use the pronunciation pages to improve your understanding. Use my Voice Thread to practise tongue twisters, introductions etc.On this site:- You can find some karaoke resources and ideas on the learn English through songs page.On the Network: You can find the words to some popular songs on the English magazine.Pronunciation skillsAccents really don't matter any more. You can spend a fortune and waste a lot of time trying to "get rid of" your accent, time and money that you could spend learning more English. So, unless you are up for a role in a film, don't worry about your accent too much. That said, people need to be able to understand you, so pronunciation and enunciation are important.Be playful. Mimic famous people, play with the different accents in films etc. I do a mean John Wayne.Learn the phonetic alphabet.List words that have the same sound add to the lists as you learn more words.For example words that rhyme with me:-phoneticsMore hereWork on one problem sound at a time. Read slowly concentrating on the pronunciation of particular words. Record yourself, keep the tape and record yourself later, have you improved? Don't be shy - ask a friend to listen to the tape too.Don't worry about sounding like a native, it is more important to speak clearly and pleasantly than it is to sound like the Queen of England - Even the Queen of England doesn't sound like she used to.The most important thing to think about is can people understand you? If you have a problem being understood then find someone who speaks English clearly and try to copy the way they speak. Pay particular attention to speed and enunciation.

                      ENGLISH TEACHING VOCABULARY                                        

1. Don't tell the person "ease off" or " simply unwind."
2. Don't finish words for the person or talk for him or her.
3. Help all parts of the class figure out how to alternate talking and tuning in. All understudies — and particularly the individuals who falter — think that it much less demanding to talk when there are few interferences and they have the audience's consideration.
4. Expect the same quality and amount of work from the understudy who stammers as the person who doesn't.
5. Talk with the understudy in an unhurried way, stopping often.
6. Pass on that you are listening to the substance of the message, not how it is said.
7. Have an one-on-one discussion with the understudy who stammers about required lodging in the classroom. Regard the understudy's needs, however don't be empowering.
8. Don't make faltering something to be embarrassed of. Discuss stammering much the same as whatever viable mat

Best Way To Increase Vocabulary

Undoubtedly the best way to increase vocabulary is with computer software packages. Other methods such as plain reading, word games, self-help videos, DVDs, and CDs are all valid, and can help in their own way, but if you want to get long-lasting, positive results quickly, then you will be better off if you choose learning by computer.

Why is using a computer the best way to increase vocabulary? Well, just ask yourself what is more convenient – wading through a massive dictionary finding words, taking notes, closing the book, then returning to it to check you have spelled it right, and got the correct definition, or using a computer where everything you need comes up on a handy screen, and keeps all your notes, exercises, tests, word lists and dictionary all in one place? Besides, try and find anyone who doesn't think using a computer is fun.

As the saying goes these days, it’s a no-briner. And when you look at all the features a software program has, you will see for yourself that home study on a computer is the only way to go.

You will find quite quickly there are a few to choose from when you begin searching on the Internet, but you will also quickly find that the best way to increase vocabulary is with Ultimate Vocabulary. It is the name that keeps cropping up the most, and that’s because this particular program has had the most positive reviews, and recommendations of all the packages available. It is also one the better priced at just $67 for the entire program.

So, come on then, what is so great about Ultimate Vocabulary you might well be saying.

For one thing, you get the biggest dictionary base with Ultimate Vocabulary. There are exactly 142,647 words that come with the program, plus 10,000 that have been designated as ‘must know’ words. When you consider other programs have just over 2,000, or in some cases only 400, then you can tell you are already getting great value for money in your efforts to increase your vocabulary. Also, when you consider that there are 500,000 words in the English language, you can appreciate just how much there is to learn! And the fact that the average adult only knows about 30,000 words, you can see how thorough Ultimate Vocabulary has been in filling its dictionary with new words for people to become acquainted with.

But what is also another useful feature of Ultimate Vocabulary that makes it the best way to increase your vocabulary is the fact you can build your own word lists. If you did happen to come across a word that is not in the Ultimate Vocabulary dictionary, then you can add it to your file, and put it with your new active vocabulary.

The other killer features in Ultimate Vocabulary is the 6 different exercises/tests you get which focus on Words, Spelling, Definition, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Word Recall. You get access to 50 word usage examples per word, over 20,000 audio pronunciations (via a human voice), and a special customized progress chart so you can monitor your vocabulary improvement. The ability to get on line for further study, and reminder messages from Windows Messenger also means you can keep on learning, even when you are having fun on the net.

The best way to increase vocabulary? Try Ultimate Vocabulary and see. You can always get your money back if not satisfied.

                 DEVELOPING WRITING SKILL

You will find that your written work aptitudes create fundamentally whilst at college on the grounds that there are normally composition assignments to finish for each module or unit or alternative. Your spelling and vocabulary will additionally make strides. In this area, you can read all the more about the composition methodology and how to go about getting top stamps in all your assignments.

PROSES
Delight all the while
Characterize the assignment
Plan the duty errands
Make a diagram plan for your composition
Organizes in the composition process
Language structure, spelling and punctuation

Appreciate the methodology 
There is such a considerable measure of keeping in touch with do at college that it is worth discovering the purpose of pleasure in composing as a methodology. This is simpler if:
 You provide for yourself enough time to compose up your work with the goal that you are not continually racing to meet due dates.
2. You separate written work undertakings into a few stages with their due dates. This is simpler than attempting to compose the ideal paper or report first time.
3. You view composing as a specialty. Compose a few drafts. Mean to bring about a significant improvement than the past one.
4. Acclimate yourself with the style and assemblies of your subject. Take pride in preparing a bit of composing that is great by the gauges of your own subject.

 Characterize the undertaking 
Invest time working out precisely what is needed by the task title. The title will typically incorporate an address that you must reply.
Thoroughly consider:
Why was this specific title or task set?
What are your mentors expecting that you will scrutinize?
What issues do they aim you to blanket?
What hypotheses, research and confirmation do they anticipate that you will allude to?
What late research or articles have been distributed on this subject?
What strategies are your guides anticipating that you will use to show that you see how to apply these?

Plan the chore errands 
Utilize as far as possible and the duty title to guide you in the extent to which you have to peruse of each one book and article suggested.
Make an arrangement of every last one of steps you have to take so as to complete the composition errand. Work out to what extent each one will take you. Each one stage will likely take longer than you suspect as much get ready for this.
Compose each one assignment into your journal so you know when it will be carried out.
Make a framework plan for your written work
It requires some investment to revamp each one draft of your composition. The more you need to change, the more extended it will take. This makes it advantageous to create a nitty gritty framework of your composition. On the off chance that you do this straight onto the workstation, you can revamp the arrangement on screen, and dynamically expand on this until you finish your last draft.

Organizes in the composition process 
These will change however the accompanying steps offer an essential diagram:
Work out what your decision is and record it. Conceptualize introductory thoughts onto the workstation.
Arrange these into headings with principle focuses underneath. Arrange these headings-and-focuses into the best request.
Compose in different headings that will structure your composition, contingent upon the way of the chore, (for example, presentation, conclusion, references, conceptual, procedure, results, and so on).
Designate a saying cut-off for each one point - check whether you have enough or an excess of focuses for as far as possible you have designated.
Select the strongest focuses and spare the rest somewhere else.
Compose up your focuses - you may think that it less demanding to begin with the conclusion.
Read through and adjust - check it bodes well, check one point appears to lead characteristically to the following.
Leave the written work for a day- read and calibrate once more
Print out and read distinctly - search for writing failures and different mix-ups: right these
You will create your own particular methodologies and discover alternate ways as the methodology gets more recognizable to you. Case in point, some individuals observe that they create their thoughts as they compose although other individuals can't compose until they have worked out what they have to say.

For more exhortation, see exposition composing

                          METHOD OF TEACHING ENGLISH

Informative dialect educating (CL) 

The centre of this strategy is to empower the learner to impart adequately and properly in the different circumstances she might be liable to end up in. The substance of CL courses are capacities, for example, welcoming, proposing, whining or thoughts, for example, the outflow of time, amount, area.

The Silent Way 

This is supposed in light of the fact that the point of the instructor is to say as meagre as could reasonably be expected in place that the learner might be in control of what he needs to say. No utilization is made of the first language.

Group Language Learning 

In this strategy endeavours are made to fabricate solid individual connections between the instructor and person so that there are no pieces to taking in. There is much talk in the first language which is interpreted by the educator for redundancy by the learner.

Submersion 

This compares, as it were, to the circumstances we have at our school. EEL scholars are drenched in the English dialect for the entire of the school day and anticipated that will learn maths, science, humanities and so on through the medium of the target dialect, English.

Outsider learners who go to nearby schools end up in an inundation circumstance; for instance outcast kids from Bosnia going to German schools, or Puerto Ricans in American schools. Click here for some connections to data about bilingual/submersion programs.

Undertaking based dialect taking in 

The centrer of the showing is on the finish of an assignment which in itself is intriguing to the learners. Learners utilize the dialect they as of recently need to finish the assignment and there is little rectification of slips.

(This is the overwhelming system in centre school ESL educating at Frankfurt International School. The errands are subsumed in a significant point that is considered for various weeks. In the point of environment, for instance, people are occupied with various undertakings climaxing in a blurb presentation to whatever is left of the class. The assignments incorporate perusing, looking the web, listening to taped material, selecting imperative vocabulary to show different learners and so forth.)

The Natural Approach 

This methodology, propounded by Professor S.
Krashen, stresses the similitude between taking in the first and second dialects. There is no amendment of errors. Taking in happens by the scholars being presented to dialect that is conceivable or made understandable to them. [more]

        LANGUAGE OBJECT OF TEACHING ENGLISH

English is the worldwide dialect of business and opens up numerous open doors to non-local speakers. Showing English as a Second Language (TESL) educators give a significant administration to settlers in English-talking nations. This free on line course presents the vital taking in speculations and practices required to be a TESL educator. The course points of interest the needs of grown-up EEL learners, the taking in styles of scholars, and how to encourage inter-cultural correspondence in the classroom. Taking after this, it depicts the exercises and activities that expand person perception of the English dialect. At last it demonstrates how to plan for and conduct a lesson including making a lesson plan, classroom administration, and directing tests. This free on line course is perfect for familiar English speakers who wish to instruct the English dialect in an English-talking nation. It will likewise be of enthusiasm to individuals who are recognizing showing English as a remote dialect or any individual who needs to know all the more about showing and taking in speculations.

AIMS OF TEACHING ENGLISH

The accompanying are the fundamental goals of showing English at auxiliary level.
To create learning and understanding of Grammar

• To comprehend the importance of English entry. 
• To create enthusiasm toward perusing English sections/ written works
• To create self study propensity.To upgrade capabilities in composing expositions and essence of the section in own words/ dialect. 
• To create their understanding and ideal disposition towards English dialect. 
• To creating the seeing about tenets of punctuation and their utilization in composing English. 

•  B] Aims and targets of showing English at Higher optional level 
• Propel scholars for additionally examining English dialect. 
• To support for creating sonnets and composing exposition. 
• To create the capability for getting a handle on the subject of sonnet or English section. 
• To support the scholars for composing the significance or topic of sonnet or entry in their words. 
• To create the capability of energy about thoughts and condemning the reasoning. 
• To create the imagination of the scholars identified with verbal capability and thinking or familiarity of dialect. 
• To create the capability of understanding of other school subjects. 
• To create the authority of dialect for communicating his thoughts, emotions and encounters. 
• To create the capacity of assessment and dissection of dialect segments. 
• To create the qualities, good and character of the learners.

A language  of world knowledge

Today the scientific discoveries are being carried out and research being made in the world very rapidly. 

But the scientific and scholars present their research in this very famous language.

A  language of standard terminology 

Standard terminologrt in science and technology is available only in this language.Attempts have being made in to translate some of the term in to Urdu.But they proved themselves harmful to the progress of thought and to the improvement of knowledge. Moreover their translation in to national language cause a confuse in yo the mind of the young researchers. Any attempt at translation scientific and technical terms.The best course will be adopt scientific and technical term and notations as they are being used in english. The language of science is universal and does not belong to any particular people.

A rich store of literature;

English has a rich store of literature and it a mean for understanding the western civilization and culture.The English language has rendered another valuable service by translation the literature of other language of other language for the convenience of the English reading people.

Importantce of engilsh language

Introduction                                                                      
                                                                     
As we know that English is common language the whole world. It is modern foreign language and occupies an international position hardly enjoyed by any other language . More ever the political supremacy of English people led to the rapid spread of English language. The rising power of the united states of America and its fast speaking influence played a vital procaine guiding the growth of English and helping it assume an eminent positional over the world.

An international langue                         

A language is a systematic means of communication by the use of sounds or conventional symbols. It is the code we all use to express ourselves and communicate to others. It is a communication by word of mouth. It is the mental faculty or power of vocal communication. It is a system for communicating ideas and feelings using sounds, gestures, signs or marks. Any means of communicating ideas, specifically, human speech, the expression of ideas by the voice and sounds articulated by the organs of the throat and mouth is a language. This is a system for communication. A language is the written and spoken methods of combining words to create meaning used by a particular group of people.

Read more at http://www.usingenglish.com/articles/importance-english-language.html#oO0vmeWdg1m9W4lV.99

A language is a systematic means of communication by the use of sounds or conventional symbols. It is the code we all use to express ourselves and communicate to others. It is a communication by word of mouth. It is the mental faculty or power of vocal communication. It is a system for communicating ideas and feelings using sounds, gestures, signs or marks. Any means of communicating ideas, specifically, human speech, the expression of ideas by the voice and sounds articulated by the organs of the throat and mouth is a language. This is a system for communication. A language is the written and spoken methods of combining words to create meaning used by a particular group of people.

A language is a systematic means of communication by the use of sounds or conventional symbols. It is the code we all use to express ourselves and communicate to others. It is a communication by word of mouth. It is the mental faculty or power of vocal communication. It is a system for communicating ideas and feelings using sounds, gestures, signs or marks. Any means of communicating ideas, specifically, human speech, the expression of ideas by the voice and sounds articulated by the organs of the throat and mouth is a language. This is a system for communication. A language is the written and spoken methods of combining words to create meaning used by a particular group of people.

Read more at http://www.usingenglish.com/articles/importance-english-language.html#oO0vmeWdg1m9W4lV.99

A language is a systematic means of communication by the use of sounds or conventional symbols. It is the code we all use to express ourselves and communicate to others. It is a communication by word of mouth. It is the mental faculty or power of vocal communication. It is a system for communicating ideas and feelings using sounds, gestures, signs or marks. Any means of communicating ideas, specifically, human speech, the expression of ideas by the voice and sounds articulated by the organs of the throat and mouth is a language. This is a system for communication. A language is the written and spoken methods of combining words to create meaning used by a particular group of people.

Read more at http://www.usingenglish.com/articles/importance-english-language.html#oO0vmeWdg1m9W4lV.99