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Listening Practice Sites1. Pulse of the Planet
This site has short audio recordings which are accompanied by the complete text with pictures on one page. These programs are created by Jim Metzner For PULSE OF THE PLANET and include customs and traditions from around the world.
http://pulseplanet.com
2. Lost and Found Sounds: The Stories
This is a wonderful collection of sound documentaries which provide fascinating cultural history collected by the Kitchen Sisters. These programs are presented on All Things Considered on NPR (National Public Radio). Each recording is connected to a page which includes pictures and a detailed summary of the recording.
http://www.npr.org/programs/lnfsound/stories/index.html
The Loon Call:
There is a very nice family story here that spans three generations!
http://www.npr.org/programs/lnfsound/stories/001229.stories.html
3. Talk Programs (NPR)
This site includes programs likeTalk of the Nation and All Things Considered. Another good choice is Fresh Air which has wonderful interviews of famous people!
http://www.npr.org/about/programs/talk.html
4. Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab
At this site, you can choose from a list of listening assignments that vary in length and difficulty. The conversations are created for second language learners to test their listening and you can read the transcripts and get help with vocabulary at Randall’s place too.
http://www.esl-lab.com/
5. The English Listening Lounge
This is a good listening site with recordings for all levels on many topics. You can practice listening to lectures here too. Each recording has comprehension questions, transcripts, and photos of the speakers provided.
http://www.EnglishListening.com/
6. Voice of America News
You can hear the news from around the world and read the transcripts while you listen. Choose the current affairs topic you want to learn more about.
http://www.voanews.com/index.cfm
7. English Learning
For an introduction to the pronunciation software, ENGLISH POWER 1 and 2, go to this website. In the end, however, this is primarily an advertising site so talk to an LSL staff member if you are interested in using this software to improve your pronunciation.
http://www.englishelearning.com/en/index.html
8. EFL Club Songs
Listen to the Beatles and other popular singers and improve your vocabulary. For a little more of a challenge, some of the words are missing from the lyrics for you to guess! This website is lots of fun!
http://www.eflclub.com/2songs/songs.html
9. E.L. Easton-English Online
There are all kinds of listening activities listed at this site and links to other languages as well.
http://eleaston.com/listening.html
10. Ohio ESL
Ohio University offers an excellent reference list of listening practice sites. The list is well organized and descriptions include degree of difficulty.
http://www.ohiou.edu/esl/english/listening.html#Other
11. English Listening Lab Online
Todd Beuckens designed this excellent site for beginner and intermediate learners of English. The audio clips are one to two minutes in length, use natural and informal English, and come with quizzes and dictionary links. Todd features interviews with speakers from all over the world.
http://www.elllo.org
12. Live Radio and television from Around the World
No matter what you are looking for, whether it's music or international news, this is a great resource!
http://broadcast-live.com/
13. English Trailers
Although this is a good introduction to the movies, it is still primarily advertising.
http://www.english-trailers.com/
14. This I Believe
You can listen and read people's philosophy of life statements on this National Public Radio site.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4538138
Making It Up as I Go Along
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4538138
Living What You Do Every Day by Yolanda O'Bannon
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6431548
Telling Kids the Whole Truth
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88241635
15. Interesting Things for ESL Students
There are many useful links to improve your listening skill and pronunciation ability on this Charles Kelly website. You can listen and repeat all those irregular past tense verbs too!
http://www.manythings.org/
16. Do you have any websites to add to this list?
Go to http://www.google.com and do a search for ESL listening materials and see what you find! Bring us your results!
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