listening skills   Introduction The following set of learning materials in listening skills will help the user to improve their listening and note-taking skills as well as their understanding of the spoken language through the use of authentic listening texts and comprehension activities. All of the activities are linked with reflection and practice.  Top   Learning Objectives To increase the user's listening confidence To improve the user's general level of understanding when listening To introduce the user to good note-taking skills and provide practice in applying them To help the user to develop a range of strategies and skills to improve their understanding To help the user learn to distinguish between examples of spoken English from different contexts To develop the user's awareness of the role of other features of spoken language such as intonation To provide the user with practice in extracting finer points and details when listening Top   Language Prerequisite This learning material is designed for users who have already demonstrated competence in their listening ability and who consider themselves to be intermediate to advanced level in this skill area. Top   Table of Contents Understanding the content of presentations and lectures   Outline - You are going to practise listening for clues in the language used by presenters. This will help you to understand the content of their talks.   Developing your listening skills   Outline - You are going to revise and practise a range of listening skills using the introductory part of lecture on an aspect of management. Identifying professional genres of spoken English  Outline - In this activity you will hear extracts from some professional genres of spoken language and practise identifying the variety they represent, the intended audience and their text type.   How to take good notes while listening   Outline - You will identify the features of good notes and practise using some time-saving techniques while taking notes. Prediction skills for listening   Outline - You are going to explore a range of clues present in a listening context that can help you understand what is being said and which provide additional information about the speaker 's attitude. Listening practice: setting up a business   Outline - This interview with a businesswoman will allow you to practise a range of listening skills and develop your business-related vocabulary. Listening practice: new developments in information technology   Outline - This interview with an information technologist will allow you to practise prediction and test your understanding using a range of listening comprehension questions. Recording data   Outline -You will use several activities to practise listening for specific types of numerical data. You will also practise listening to distinguish precise figures and amounts and consider the ways in which different types of numerical data may be presented. Listening for key points in a science lecture   Outline - You are going to hear two extracts from a lecture in oceanography given by a lecturer at a British University and practise distinguishing key points from supporting points. You will also reflect on the clues that helped you to distinguish the points and complete a summary of one of the extracts. Recognising different features of spoken English language   This listening comprehension task will focus on listening to a speaker's voice and using some of the characteristic features of the spoken language such as stress and intonation to improve your understanding. You will match the speaker's responses to questions asked by the interviewer and use some very short extracts from the interview for self-directed dictation. Top   Duration up to 7.5 hours for 10 Learning Objects   Top