Assignment 10

1.  Write a list of listening skills that you learned about from each of the units.

Unit 1-Main ideas-a general idea of what the speaker wants to communicate to the listener. 
Unit 2-Making inferences-using examples and facts to imply the ideas  and expect the listeners to make an inference.
Unit 3-Listening for examples-examples can help the listeners understand key concepts better.
Unit 4-Recognizing appositives that explain-to provide a definition or explanation of the idea.
Unit 5-Organizing notes with a T-chart-dividing the paper into two columns and write one category at the top of each column.


2.  Which listening skill (mentioned above) did you find the most valuable?  Why?

I think the skill of organizing notes is really valuable because it helps me improve my listening skills most. Before learning this skill, I had difficulties organizing my notes and the result is that I would write down all I've heard but didn't know how to separate main ideas, details, or examples. After unit 5, I start to learn the efficient way to write down the most important information and organize it easily. 
 
3.  What are some ways in which your listening in English has improved this semester?

As I mention before, I can only write down all I'v heard when listening. However, after learning so many skills, I think I've made some progress in these skills and start to listen in an efficient way. Now I know how to separate main idea and details, learn to get the inferences from the speaker, and to organize my notes. Also, lots of practices make my listening improved as we listen to the Slum Dog every week, ted talks, ads, songs and presentations from classmates.

4.  What are some challenges that you still face in your English listening? How do you plan to overcome these challenges?

Although I've learned the skills, sometimes I still can't separate the main idea and details with too much information. I think the best way to overcome this problem is though more and more practices. After all, practice makes perfect!


5.  Based on your experience with listening to many different types of activities in English this semester, what is the most efficient way that you can train yourself to improve your English listening on your own?  Explain your answer.

I think the most efficient way is TED talks because they are interesting and the words the speaker use are common in daily life and not too difficult for me to understand. I can improve my listening ability and learn something interesting and some important ideas at the same time.