ways to improve listening skill

Task 1: Listening for the main idea - Listen to the teacher read
out a portion of the narration from a TV programme.
Try and identify the overall idea expressed in the passage.
Jot it down in your notebooks.

(The teacher reads)

A. This passage is about ………………………….……
……………………………………………

Note : The teacher reads the passage again for each of the following
tasks.

Task 2: Listening for details - Listen for groups of words and
phrases that are important for understanding the context of the passage and their relevance; then match the words


Task 3: Listening for specific information –

While listening to the passage -

A. Note down the words in the passage that mean -

1. reduction :
2. use :
3. hold :
4. irregular :
5. expected :
6. drop :
7. cutting down trees :

B. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences –

1. The reasons for the depletion of water resources are …………to understand.
2. Population ………… and the spread of ………… activity on an industrial scale have led to a dramatic ………… in the demand for …………water.
3. The rapid spread of ………… has changed the patterns of consumption.
4. The need to increase the area of productive land has caused........... .............. for irrigation.
5. Another “key” factor is …………Then, there are the effects of …………change.
6. …………patterns are becoming more erratic, with ………… in some places matched by severe ………… in others.
7. Without any reduction of …………emissions, annual ………… is projected to decline by 10 to …………% by 2100.

Task 4: Post-Listening -

A. Compare your notes and discuss what you have understood in pairs or small groups.

B. Pairs of students can write a summary of the main points. Then compare summaries to check if all the main points have been covered.

C. In groups make a list of comprehension questions to ask each other.

D. Make a list in your notebooks of any new vocabulary you feel is useful.

E. As homework listen to a TV or radio programme and take down notes on the given guidelines. Present to class the next day.