Listening strategies
Listening is the one skill that you use the most in everyday life. Listening comprehension is the basis for your speaking, writing and reading skills. To train your listening skills, it is important to listen actively, which means to actively pay attention to what you are listening to. Make it a habit to listen to audio books, podcasts, news, songs, etc. and to watch videos and films in the foreign language.
You should know that there are different types of listening:
- Listening for gist: you listen in order to understand the main idea of the text.
- Listening for specific information: you want to find out specific details, for example key words.
- Listening for detailed understanding: you want to understand all the information the text provides.
Before you listen to a text, you should be aware of these different types. You will have to decide what your purpose is. Becoming aware of this fact will help you to both focus on the important points and reach your goal.
In order to improve your listening skills, you may apply certain listening strategies that support the listening process. To learn how to do so, read our tips below.