HOW TO IMPROVE LISTENING SKILL

     Listening skills are the abilities we use to accurately receive, understand, interpret, and respond to spoken language.They are one of the core language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) and are essential for communication.

 

⭐ HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LISTENING SKILL

1. Start with the Right Level

Choose audios that match your ability.

Begin with:

• Short dialogues
• Beginner listening practice
• Children’s stories
• VOA/BBC Learning English (slow speed)
• Goal: Understand basic words and patterns first.

2. Use Active Listening

Don’t just hear—listen with focus.

How to do it:

1. Play a short audio (20–40 seconds).
2. Pause.
3. Write the words or ideas you hear.
4. Replay.
5. Check your accuracy.

This trains your ear to catch details.

 

3. Use Guiding Questions

Before listening, predict the content by asking:

• Who is speaking?
• What is the topic?
• What is the purpose?

This prepares your brain and makes listening easier.

 4. Practice Shadowing

One of the best methods to improve listening + speaking.

Steps:

1. Choose a short audio.
2. Listen once.
3. Play it again and repeat exactly what the speaker says—same rhythm, stress, and intonation.

This helps you catch natural pronunciation.

 

5. Use Subtitles Wisely

Follow this order:

1. First listening → use Indonesian subtitles
2. Second → use English subtitles
3. Third → no subtitles

This builds confidence and understanding step by step.

 

6. Focus on Chunks, Not Individual Words

Native speakers connect words:

• “What are you doing?” → whaddaya doin?
• “Going to” → gonna
• “Want to” → wanna

Understanding these “chunks” improves comprehension.

 

7. Listen 10 Minutes Every Day

Short but consistent practice is better than long sessions once a week.

Good platforms:

• BBC Learning English
• VOA Learning English
• EngVid
• RealLife English (YouTube)
• Beginner podcasts (ESLPod, British Council)

 

8. Test Yourself Weekly

Do one short listening practice and write a 3–5 sentence summary of what you understood