Essential skills for listening to English
How to improve English listening skills is a headache question for many students. Listening skill is one of the most difficult skills for English learners. English tutor for beginners at Eclass will help you build a suitable learning path. The opportunity to study with native speakers, immersed in a 100% English environment, will help you improve your listening skills effectively.
How to improve English listening skill?
You need a lot of concentration and determination to improve your English listening skills. You need to break old bad habits and start building new English listening habits with important skills as follows:
Listen carefully
Focus on the speaker and take note of the message. If in a face-to-face conversation, you need to look directly at the speaker, putting your thoughts aside. At this point, you don't need to think about how you have to respond, afraid that you won't be able to answer the question, simply listen and listen to understand the message.
In addition, when practising listening at home, you need to avoid being distracted by environmental factors. For example, side chats.
In particular, "listen" to the speaker's body language.
Show that you are listening
Use your body language and gestures to show that you're engaged in the conversation. Some ways to give feedback like:
+ Occasional nodding.
+ Smile and use other facial expressions.
+ Have an open and interested attitude.
+ Small verbal comments like yes and "uh huh" to encourage the speaker to continue
Focus on listening to English for a limited time
You should divide your tasks into very small tasks that can be completed in a short period. Many scientific studies have proven that studying for 15 to 30 minutes a day is much better than trying to memorize hundreds of new words and grammar rules in a day. During this short time, you can practice listening to a podcast or watching an episode of an engaging series.
Listen to the same English podcast every day for a week.
Find a podcast that you find interesting or entertaining and pick an episode. Listen to that episode every day for a week — while you're driving, taking the bus, washing dishes, and more. Choose words or phrases that are difficult to understand and look up new words on day one and day two. Don't forget to press "pause" and listen again.
Note, to study every day, maintaining this habit regularly will help you improve your listening skills and study English fluently.
Read and listen at the same time
Another way to improve listening skills is to use two sources of information at the same time. The easiest way is to watch an English video with English subtitles. This way, you will hear and read the words the actor is saying. This will help you understand things more accessible and remember better.
Another way to learn English from two sources is to use podcasts. Many podcasts include speech recordings, so you can listen and read at the same time.
Come to English center in Vietnam to register for courses with native teachers and practice listening to English better.
Which English learning method is best for you?
Self-study: You may prefer to study English on your own if you are often distracted by others in the class, have a busy work schedule, cannot find time to attend a formal class, or like to study in different places (on the train, at home, at the park) whenever you can.
Learning in the classroom: A classroom will have students who are different from a teacher and meet regularly. This may be for you if you enjoy discussing with other students, feel uncomfortable being alone with your teacher, or have difficulty concentrating on your own.
One teacher, one student: One-on-one classes are sessions with only you and one teacher. You may enjoy these lessons more if you feel shy around other students or if it's easier for you to ask questions to the teacher in private.
Try different ways to practice your English listening skills and notice which one works best for you. Once you've chosen an effective way to learn English for yourself, use the tips above to practice listening to English.