Does anyone have any tips for listening exams in a foreign language? My teacher only plays the tape once, and we have very little time to think the question through. Often times, the people on the tapes have different French accents than the ones I am accustomed to. Thanks for your help!
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. A long time ago the AP exam only played the tape ONCE so my students trained that way. For at least 10 years they now read everything TWICE. Of course, if you can learn to listen only once, you wil be training better! Yes, accents and intonations can be different, as well as vocabulary, depending upon where the speaker is from.
Are these tapes that go with your Textbook, for example? If so, tell us the name of the textbook, the author, the copywrite date, etc. Often book publishers have help online if you know where to look.
First of all, analyze what TYPE of learner you are. If you learn visually, you will need to SEE what you want to learn. If you learn orally, you will have an advantage here with the tapes. If you are a kinesthetic learner, it is harder to learn but once you do you do not forget. A kinesthetic learner has to be physically involved = tracing it, etc.
Now, what will help you with these tapes you are only going to hear once.
1. Train yourself to really listen, shutting out all distractions. Sit closer if you must.
2. Know the vocabulary very well (if these tapes go with your textbook).
3. It is natural for the mind, the second you don't "catch" something to shut down. FIGHT against that. Treat this like a "closure" exercise. The dots will represent what you do not hear. _ _ _ ... _ _ _ _ ..., etc. Concentrate on what you hear and leave a "blank" where you don't quite catch it. Then, based upon what you DID hear, try to fill in the blanks.
4. At least try to pick out = who, where, what, when, etc.
5. Practice, practice, practice!
Sra (aka Mme)
P.S. How to learn to listen: 1. Concentrate (focus) on the speaker and nothing else. 2. Listen twice as much as you talk. After all, you have 2 ears and only 1 mouth! 3. Resist distractions. 4. Do not do 2 things at once. For example, if you try to write while you are listening, you are not giving listening your FULL concentration. 5. It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with what the speaker says; just listen and understand as much as you can. 6. A musical ablity is helpful, especially with the intonation.
Sra (aka Mme)
listen carefully and try to understand. Don't react like the speaker is talking to you, just listen him.
Absolutely! Listening exams in a foreign language can be challenging, especially when the speakers on the tape have different accents than what you're used to. Here are some tips to help you prepare and perform better in such exams:
1. Practice active listening: Engage actively while listening to the tape. Focus on understanding the main ideas, key phrases, and any specific details mentioned. Try to visualize the context and follow along.
2. Prioritize comprehension: Understanding the overall message is crucial. Don't worry about catching every single word or phrase. Instead, focus on grasping the meaning and main ideas presented.
3. Familiarize yourself with various accents: Expose yourself to different French accents through listening to different audio resources, watching movies, or even seeking out conversations with native speakers. This will help you get accustomed to varied tones and pronunciations.
4. Build vocabulary and familiarity: Expand your French vocabulary by studying common words and phrases related to different topics. Practice listening to various types of content, such as podcasts, news articles, and dialogues, to improve your listening comprehension.
5. Develop predictive listening: Pay attention to the context and anticipate what might be said based on the subject being discussed. This allows you to make educated guesses about the content and fill in any gaps in understanding.
6. Use available resources: If possible, try to obtain practice materials or past exams with similar listening sections. Practice with these resources, paying attention to the time constraints and single playback. Focus on improving your ability to quickly understand and answer questions under pressure.
7. Use active strategies during the exam: As soon as the tape starts playing, listen attentively, taking note of any keywords or phrases that may help you answer the questions afterward. Be mindful of any possible distractors or false leads in the given options.
8. Take advantage of context: Often, the context of a conversation can give you clues about the meaning of certain words or phrases. Pay attention to the speaker's tone, gestures, and the overall situation presented.
9. Reinforce your listening skills regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your listening abilities. Make it a habit to listen to French audio content on a regular basis, even outside of exam preparation.
Remember, mastering listening skills takes time and regular practice. By using these strategies and actively engaging with the language, you can improve your comprehension and excel in your listening exams.