- 'Tune in' to English wherever and whenever you can. Listen to songs, learn the lyrics, and keep up with news programmes - regular news bulletins with stories often repeated throughout the day are good for becoming familiar with language.
- `Phone In' radio programmes - where members of the public call on the telephone, are a good way to hear real people and learn to recognise 'regional accents'. If you lose concentration and `switch off' after listening for a long time - perhaps during a radio play try not to give up but `switch' on again by listening for key phrases/ words.
- To help you understand what they're talking about try to listen for verbal clues - words and phrases you recognise.
- Using your own knowledge of the subject try to work out what they have said and what you might expect to hear next.
- Understanding jokes - A funny story told in English is a really good test of ability but don't worry or be put off if you don't always `get' (= understand) the `punch-line' of a joke(= the end of the joke).
- If you are not living amongst English speakers and it is difficult to immerse yourself in the language - try to set aside time for regular practise. Perhaps have a daily `English hour' when you communicate with friends and or family only in English.
- Speaking on the telephone, perhaps to work colleagues, is a particularly good exercise as without non verbal communication you will have to rely on Listening and Speaking skills.
Most importantly, don't be too hard on yourself - try to enjoy and remember
...slow steps are better than no steps!
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