Which habits can help me build my listening skills for the TOEFL iBT Listening section?
You can improve TOEFL iBT listening by hearing English often, reading a wide range of academic material to build vocabulary, watching movies and television, listening to the radio, and practising with recorded books, lectures and presentations available online, which also helps you steadily.
Better TOEFL iBT listening usually comes from steady exposure to English rather than last minute cramming. Regular listening and reading together strengthen both your vocabulary and your comprehension.
Habits That Build Listening Skills
| Habit | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Daily English listening | Listen to English frequently to get used to different accents and speed |
| Academic reading | Read a wide variety of academic material to expand your vocabulary |
| Media | Movies, television shows and the radio are useful ways to build listening skills |
| Recorded material | Recorded books, lectures and presentations are equally valuable and can be found online |
Putting It Into Practice
- Pick a few sources and listen a little every day
- Prefer lecture style content, which is closer to academic listening
- Note unfamiliar words and revise them regularly
My Advice
Consistency matters more than long sessions. Mix entertainment with lecture style listening, and check the official TOEFL site for the latest section format so your practice matches the test you will actually take.
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