Listening Skills

Steps and Skills for Listening Unit 1

Time Allocation 5 min -> study note heading for Part I 15 min->listen & take notes 5 min-> proofreading + predicting 3 min-> study note heading for Part 2 15 min-> listen & take notes 10 min-> proofreading + predicting

Stressed Words Indicating content/ key information Nouns (e.g. people responsible for an

accident) Verb (e.g. how the accident happened) Adjectives (e.g. description of the car

causing the accident) Figures (e.g. casualties) Negatives (esp. adverbs/ contractions)

Unstressed Words Grammar: verb-to-be, articles Linking: and, but, question tag Elaboration of main ideas Unsupported details /information

Pre-listening Underline heading: focus your attention Study the question paper & background Anticipate info.: Predict & brainstorm

vocabulary Practice: Study situation and use arrow

to show what part of the situation relates to question

While-listening Focus on question guideline Pay attention to stressed words Listen to signpost words for hints Differentiate main ideas from

unimportant information (based on heading given)

Note-taking skills: Abbreviation/ symbols Difficult questions: rephrasing questions/

MC (attitude of speakers)

Listen and Take Notes Selectively

Length of blanks may help 90% answers in chronological order 10% are scattered Hints given before the answers Precise expression Skip irrelevant information Difficult vocabulary

Skip Irrelevant InformationWhich words should be omitted? Why?

A wide range of unique extra curricular activities should be organized

Delicious student meals which are healthy and different every day

Deforestation, in other words, means cutting down of a forest in the light of other activity

Precise Expression Listen Comparative salary / competitive salary Science of leadership/ sign of leadership Retraining trainees/ retaining trainees Staff moral/ staff morale

Difficult Vocabulary Will be repeated, as alternatives,

define or explained in context At least phonologically correct

After Listening Common sense for guessing missing information Proofreading : spelling/grammar/ content (Does it

make sense)/ legible handwriting Complete meaning No mark if answers written outside the blanks Write in Pencil when taking notes outside the

table Rewrite the answers in Ink in the space provided X use arrows to show answers

Answers too short Reasons why a school survey is neede

d: X society cares To show that society cares

Answer does not fit headingHeading

Unsuitable note

Possible note

objective

Main aim is to

She is fond of

moneyTo earn money/ earning money

Saving money

Save money

Money/to save money

Saving money

Wrong Preposition

Wrong Preposition Correct Preposition

Interviews by agents

Interviews with agents

Imported by Japan

Imported from Japan

Practise1. Choose a website which allows constant and easy a

ccess e.g. www.esl-lab.com2. Listen to news announcement and practise note-m

aking skills (outline) e.g. http://news.bbc.co.uk/3. Self Access Materials in the library/ MMLC e.g. Issue

s in English, English Digital Lab4. MMLC : redhat/mp3/ss65. Re-do exercises until complete information is repro

duced6. Increase your active vocabulary bank (vocab card)

Project Details: refer to

http://www.highwired.com/Classroom/Project/0,2069,40487-95036,00.html

Points to include: advantages, drawbacks, suggestion-how & frequency

Skills: independent learning, discussion, presentation, IT, writing, collaborative learning

Final Product: useful when preparing newsletter for S.6 classes