ABOUT LISTENING

A. What kinds of things do you listen to in English?

B. How do you feel about listening tasks in English class?

C. What causes listening to be difficult?

RELAX

Anxiety is an obstacle to listening effectively. If you concentrate on what you DON'T understand, you become anxious, you find it difficult to concentrate, and you understand even less. RELAX and CONCENTRATE on what you DO understand - general ideas, impressions, 'the gist'. When listening, concentrate on listening. Block out other distractions, thoughts, sounds.

LISTEN

A. Look at the pictures of these people. Do you know who they are? Listen ONCE to a radio
programme called The Story Behind the Song. Write the names of the three songs. What have all
three songs got in common?

B. Listen AGAIN for MORE DETAIL. Take QUICK, BRIEF notes if you want to, but remember
to keep listening.

C. Compare what you understood with your partner. Now listen again.

EVALUATE

Were you relaxed and concentrated during ali three listenings? Were you able to get the generai idea the first time, more details the second, and even more after comparing with your partner? What opportunities do you have to practice listening in English?

SPEAKING

A. How do you feel about speaking to a partner in class? To a small group in class? To the whole
class? To a stranger? What causes you the most difficulties?

B. Now think about a time when you had a major disagreement or argument with a good friend of
yours. Think about what happened and how it was or wasn't resolved. Are you still friends today?
Prepare to tell a partner about this experience. Make BRIEF notes to help you prepare. Think of
any difficult vocabulary you might need. Ask a classmate or your teacher for help if necessary.

C. Now tell your partner about your experience. Concentrate on communicating meaning. If you
don't know a word, or get stuck, try explaining in a different way. Don't translate. Look for signs
from your partner that he/ she understands what you're saying.

D. Now listen to your partner teli you about his/her experience. Try to understand and remember as much as possible but DON'T TAKE NOTES! Make mental associations of facts, details or vocabulary to help you remember. Ask questions for more information or clarification when necessary.

E. Last, in your own words, tell a different partner about your partner's experience. See if there are any similarities in the different stories.

EVALUATE

Did planning help you communicate more clearly with your partner?

Did concentrating on meaning help you get your message across more effectively?

Did making associations and word connections help you remember new vocabulary and facts

more easily?

What opportunities to speak English do you have?

FOLLOW-UP

Here are some strategies to keep in mind to help you keep your anxiety level low, and to become a

better listener and speaker in English.

A. Develop overall self-confidence

l. Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses.

2. Set goals to overcome your weaknesses.

3. Tell yourself that you are smart and that you can do it.

B. Think positively.

1. Don't say "I Can't" or "I’ll never get it."

2. Don't let other classmates' bad attitudes affect you.

3. Respect your teacher and your teacher will respect you.

C. Ask for help.

1. Ask your teacher questions when you need to.

2. Ask your classmates for help when you need it.

3. Practice English as much as possible with your classmates, and outside class.