Listening+Actively

When you are listening to something in your native language, you may be able to do many things while listening and still understand. For example, you may be able to listen to a news program while doing homework, and even sending text messages! This is because your native language is so meaningful to you. You know everything about your language and culture inherently. When you are listening to something in English, everything from vocabulary to historical references is less meaningful. For that reason, you must listen actively when you are listening to English in order to get the full meaning.

To listen actively you should: 1. avoid day dreaming or thinking of anything other than the topic. 2. always keep in mind how what you are hearing relates to an overall main idea. 3. take notes (this keeps you focused on main ideas and supporting details) 4. determine a purpose for your listening 5. stay awake ☺