--- title: How to Practice Listening description: "How can I improve my listening skills? This question is one of the most asked questions I have heard in 29 years as an ESL teacher. The answer is simple: you can improve your listening skills listening.\n\nListening is the first step in any language acquisition. If you can't listen, you won't speak. Think about when you were a child. How did you learn to talk? If you answered listening, you are correct.\n\nNow that you know that the more you listen, the better you will speak, let me give you some tips:" image: https://blog.approachusa.org/hubfs/blog_banner3%20(1)-1.png --- - [Contact Us](https://approachusa.org/contact-us/) - [Apply Now](https://approachusa.org/application-form-2/) Menu - [Programs of Study](https://approachusa.org/programs-of-study/) - [English as a Second Language (ESL)](https://approachusa.org/esl/) - [Test Preparation (TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, SAT)](https://approachusa.org/testprep/) - [Advanced Programs](https://approachusa.org/speccialty-programs/) - [ESL Teen Culture Program](https://approachusa.org/youth-programs/) - [Student Services](https://approachusa.org/student-services-2/) - [Join our Community](https://pages.approachusa.org/approachusa-community) - [Blog](https://blog.approachusa.org/) - [Academic & Career Advising](https://approachusa.org/academicadvising/) - [Student Activities](https://approachusa.org/academic-activities/) - [Students’ Success Stories](https://approachusa.org/students-success-stories/) - [Housing](https://approachusa.org/student-services/) - [Admissions](https://pages.approachusa.org/en-us/our-programs-usa) - [Apply from Abroad](https://pages.approachusa.org/applying-from-abroad) - [Tuition and Fees](https://pages.approachusa.org/tuition-and-fees) [![Approach International Student Center®](https://blog.approachusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Approach_USA_April2021/images/header_logo.png?height=500&name=header_logo.png "Approach International Student Center®")](https://approachusa.org/) - Call us today **[+1 617 787 5401](https://wa.me/16177875401)** - Email us **[admissions@approachusa.com](mailto:admissions@approachusa.com)** ![](https://blog.approachusa.org/hubfs/blog_banner3%20(1)-1.png) # How to Practice Listening Published by [Ana Claudia Losi Gil](https://blog.approachusa.org/author/ana-claudia-losi-gil) on Oct 29, 2021 3:10:29 PM How can I improve my listening skills? This question is one of the most asked questions I have heard in 29 years as an ESL teacher. The answer is simple: you can improve your listening skills **listening.** Listening is the first step in any language acquisition. If you can't listen, you won't speak. Think about when you were a child. How did you learn to talk? If you answered listening, you are correct. Now that you know that the more you listen, the better you will speak, let me give you some tips: 1- Pick up a song that you like, and listen to it many times. When you get familiar with the lyrics, sing along, and don't translate word for word. **Lyricstraining** is a fun app where you can practice your favorite songs. 2- Chose a movie or a tv series that you enjoy, and watch it again in English with subtitles, then without the subtitles. It is important to watch something that you have already watched in your first language. Pop some popcorn and have fun! 3- Turn on your radio to American radio stations and enjoy listening to the news and songs while doing your chores or exercising. Don't worry if you don't understand everything. 4- Audiobooks are a fantastic choice for those who love reading.  5- If you are a PodCast fan, Spotify has many options. The Michelle Obama Podcast is one of my favorites. [![18](https://blog.approachusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/18.png?width=297&name=18.png)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nU6WPYiOzc&t=145s)[![17](https://blog.approachusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/17.png?width=294&name=17.png)](https://open.spotify.com/show/71mvGXupfKcmO6jlmOJQTP) There are many ways to practice listening, and most of them are free! Cheers! --- Jump into your language learning now with our ["Ultimate Guide to Learn English Fast"](https://blog.approachusa.org/how-to-learn-english-fast) [Back to Blog](https://blog.approachusa.org) ## Related Articles ## [Free Resources for TOEFL Takers](https://blog.approachusa.org/free-resources-for-toefl-takers) One of the problems with test prep for TOEFL is there are so many resources that many people have... [Read More](https://blog.approachusa.org/free-resources-for-toefl-takers) ## [For the Love of Podcasts](https://blog.approachusa.org/for-the-love-of-podcasts) Listen. There’s a way to learn and be entertained, while accomplishing necessary tasks. There’s a... [Read More](https://blog.approachusa.org/for-the-love-of-podcasts) ## [How to improve your English speaking – 1, 2, 3!](https://blog.approachusa.org/how-to-improve-your-english-speaking-1-2-3) The simple answer is: speak, speak, speak! The muscles of your mouth and the pathways in your brain... 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