When we're learning a foreign language, making sense of what we hear is the first step toward fluency. It sounds obvious, but until recently, we didn't know much about how listening works. New research shows that effective listening involves more than simply hearing the words that float past our ears. Rather, it's an active process of analysing information and making meaning.
Studies of skilled language learners have identified specific listening strategies that lead to excellent comprehension. In addition to that benefit, research has shown that learners who adopt these strategies become better listeners.
So what are listening strategies? Skilled learners go into a listening activity with a sense of what they want to get out of it. They set a goal for their listening, and they make predictions about what the speaker will say. Before the talking begins, they review what they already know about the subject, and form an intention to “listen out for”what's important. Once they begin listening, these learners maintain their focus; if their attention wanders, they bring it back to the words being spoken. They don't allow themselves to be thrown off by confusing or unfamiliar details. Instead, they take note of what they don't understand and later make inferences(推测)about what those things might mean, based on other clues available to them: their previous knowledge of the subject, the identity of the speaker, and so on. All the while, skilled learners are evaluating what they're hearing and their own understanding of it. They're checking their inferences to see if they're correct.
Such strategies are all about thinking, and they produce a variety of benefits. Research indicates that such learners are better at analysing and storing new information, better at finding the best ways to practice what they have learned. Last year, for example, University of Ottawa researcher Larry Vandergrift published his study of 106 undergraduates who were learning French as a second language. Half of the students were taught in a traditional fashion, listening to and practicing texts spoken aloud. The other half, dealing with the same skill level and taught by the same teacher, were given clear instruction on how to listen. In the journal Language Learning, Vandergrift reported the results: The second group “significantly outperformed(胜过)” the first one on a test of comprehension. In a 2006 study by researchers from Singapore, Chinese speakers who were learning English as a second language reported increased motivation and confidence after they were taught metacognitive strategies.
Though listening is often treated as a way to make others feel appreciated, it's also one of the most powerful tools we have to gain information and insight(洞察力).
General idea of paragraphs | Detailed information |
__1.__of effective listening | It includes our hearing the words and _2._of the information to get the meaning. |
The _3.__of specific listening strategies | ★It will lead to excellent comprehension. ★Learners _4._them can become better listeners. |
Listening strategies | ★Review the _5.__fact about the subject. ★Set a goal for listening. ★__6.__the speaker's information. ★Maintain the _7.__on the words being spoken. ★Take note of the confusing details for later inferences. ★Evaluate the information being heard, the understanding of it and its __8.__. |
The results of the experiment | Learners are more __9.__and confident. |
_10.__ | Listening can make others feel appreciated and help the listeners gain information and insight. |
Job interviews never seem easy. To get a job, you may have more interviews than you can count. To succeed in an interview, you should pay attention to the following common mistakes.
Lack of proper preparation. Failure to gather information on the company and the job before the interview makes a very poor impression on interviewers; it suggests that you really are not that interested in the position.
Inappropriate personal appearance. Consider the nature of the position and dress accordingly. When in doubt, dress somewhat more formally than you think would be expected for the job. Be conservative (保守的)and pay attention to details, such as shiny shoes, neat hair, etc. First impressions are very important.
Poor nonverbal communication. In addition to what you are saying, your nonverbal behavior is very important in an interview. Are you making eye contact? Are you listening attentively when the interviewer is speaking? Are you giving a firm handshake when greeted by the interviewer(s)? Are you nervous during the interview? Practice with a friend or in front of a mirror to assess these factors.
Poor attitude. Selfcentered behavior (i.e. a “what's in it for me” attitude) is very poorly received by interviewers. Ask yourself what you can contribute to the company? What skills and experience would you bring to the job?
Failure to ask questions. Employers will assess your interest in the company and the position by the types of questions you ask. Proper research prior to the interview will help ensure that the questions you ask are intelligent ones.
Being disorganized. Make sure you arrive at the interview a few minutes early so that you have time to get calm and check your appearance. Arriving late is simply unacceptable, so plan for the unexpected. Always bring an extra copy of your resume (简历) and references to an interview.
Over or underanswering questions. For most interview questions a “Yes” or “No” answer is not appropriate. Provide more details for an employer and cite (引用) examples from personal experience wherever possible. Do not, however, talk endlessly and feel that you have to keep speaking if there's a silence. When you have said what you want to say, stop talking. If you do not understand a question, seek clear explanation before responding.
Failure to send a thankyou note or card following the interview. Take the time to send a thankyou card，which can make an important impact on an employer. Not only does it show your sincere interest in the position, but it also helps make you different from other interview candidates.
Common mistakes in interviews What you should do for a(n)_ 1._interview.
__2.__preparations __3._enough information on the company and the job.
Inappropriate personal appearance Dress __4._to the nature of the position.
Poor nonverbal communication Nonverbal communication, such as making eye contact, listening attentively, shaking hands __5.__，etc is very important.
Poor attitude _6._on yourself will make a very bad impression on interviewers. Think about what you can do for the company instead.
Failure to ask questions Do proper research before the interview, which helps make _7.__you won't ask stupid questions.
Being disorganized Arrive a few minutes early to plan for the unexpected and bring an extracopy of your resume and references to an interview.
Over or underanswering questions When answering questions, provide more details or cite examples when needed, instead of talking without __8.__.
Failure to express your _9._ Do remember to send a thankyou card which shows your interest in the position and your __10.__.
One Friday,we were packing to leave for a weekend away my daughter heard cries for help
A. after B. while C. since D. when
regular exercise is very important.It’s never a good idea to exercise too close to bedmme.
A.If B. As C.Although D.Unless
Please call my secretary to arrange a meeting this afternoon, or ______ it is convenient to you.
A. whenever B. however C. whichever D. wherever
volleyball is her main focus, she’s also great at basketball.
A. Since B. Once C. Unless D. While
