Practise your Listening with BBC’s ‘Learn English Listening’ App

As your English is progressing, you begin to understand more and more. You have less difficulty reading and communicating what you like. However, one area that may still remain a problem for you is your listening.

Listening can be one of the most difficult tasks for English learners, as it can be hard to get used to so many different accents that exist in the world.

The most important thing to do is listen in English as often as possible. To do this, you will need to find different listening resources that are suitable for you. This is where technology can really come in handy. A great app that I have used to improve my listening comprehension is the BBC’s ‘Learn English Listening’.

What is ‘Learn English Listening’?

This is a useful tool for anyone trying to improve their listening. It has really helped me improve my listening skills and comprehension.

Learn English Listening comes pre-packed with hundreds of different passages that you can listen to and practice along with at your own pace. With a wide variety of topics covering different scenarios, listening to English has never been easier. You can simply download the app onto your device, and start practicing a wide variety of ESL listenings wherever you want.

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How does it work?

You will be able to choose from a range of lessons which are categorised by level. This means you will be able to find the listenings that best suit your level and work your way gradually up to the more advanced level articles and conversations.

Each listening takes about 6 minutes which also includes the transcript (the listening in a text form), and also a list of the more difficult vocabulary you will hear. At the end of each lesson, you will be given a short quiz to check your comprehension.

Some of the topics will focus on daily life, while others will focus on particular aspects of English such as pronunciation and vocabulary.

What else?

Who is it for?

It’s great for all levels, especially beginners.

Can it be used with Apple or Android devices?

At the moment it can only be used with Android devices.

Do I need to pay?

It is free with pop-up ads. If you want it ad-free, you will need to pay a small fee.

Do I need to login?

No, you don’t. You only need to install the app in your mobile.

What are other features?

You will be able to chat with other users from all around the world, and share your thoughts and feelings while practising English. You can also listen to it offline and new lessons are updated frequently.

Give it a try!

Try these introductory tasks. The more you practise, the better you will get!

Task 1 – Download the app onto your Android device.

Task 2 – Select a listening based on what level you think you are. If you think it is too easy, choose one that is more difficult. If it is too difficult choose a level that is easier.

Task 3 – Listen again, but this time with its transcript.

Task 4 – Bookmark all the words you want to learn. Look them up in the dictionary to get both their pronunciation and meaning.

Task 5 -Play the quiz to help you remember the vocabulary.

Give it a try!

If you like what you’ve read about our tips for improving your listening and approaches to language learning and you would like to learn more about Atlas, please contact us. Just click the link below:

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