Download Listening to the News – Voice of America Pdf Resources (B1 – B2+)

 

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Overview of “Listening to the News” by Compass Publishing

✅ Coursebook:	Listening to the News: Voice of America
✅ Author:	Karl Nordvall
✅ Publisher:	Compass Publishing
✅ Levels:	B1, B1+, B2, B2+
✅ English type:	American English
✅ Skill:	Listening
✅ Publication year:	2012

“Listening to the News: Voice of America” is a three-level listening series developed by Compass Publishing to enhance listening comprehension skills for academic purposes. The series utilizes authentic news articles from Voice of America (VOA), the official external broadcast institution of the United States, which provides a wide range of programming for radio, TV, and the internet.

Series Structure:

• Levels: Three books, each targeting different proficiency levels.
• Units: Each book contains 20 units, with each unit spanning four pages.
• Themes: Units are grouped into four major themes: “American Life,” “General Interest,” “Science,” and “World Interest.” slideshare.net

Components:

• Student Book: Features the main content and activities.
• Dictation Book: Provides additional listening and writing exercises to reinforce comprehension.
• Transcripts and Answer Key: Includes full transcripts of the audio content and answers to exercises.
• MP3 CD: Contains audio recordings of the news articles and listening exercises.

Key Features:

• Authentic Content: Uses real news articles from VOA to expose learners to genuine language usage.
• Skill Development: Focuses on improving listening comprehension, note-taking, summarization, and discussion skills.
• Supplementary Materials: Offers free online resources, including a teacher’s guide, fun facts, final exams, word lists, translations, and original VOA audio tracks. slideshare.net

This series is designed for intermediate to upper-intermediate learners aiming to improve their academic listening skills through engaging and informative content.

 

Who is suitable for “Listening to the News: Voice of America”?

“Listening to the News: Voice of America” by Compass Publishing is suitable for:

• Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate Learners – The series is designed for students who already have a foundational understanding of English and want to improve their listening skills.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Students – Learners who want to develop their ability to understand authentic spoken English, especially in news and academic contexts.
• IELTS and TOEFL Candidates – The listening exercises help students get accustomed to real-world English used in news broadcasts, making it beneficial for standardized test preparation.
• Academic English Learners – Those who need to improve listening comprehension for academic purposes, such as university students or professionals engaged in English-language studies.
• Self-Learners and Independent Students – Individuals who prefer to study at their own pace using structured learning materials, including audio and transcripts.
• Teachers Looking for Supplementary Materials – Instructors who want to integrate real-world listening exercises into their curriculum to expose students to various accents, speech speeds, and vocabulary.

 

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The benefits of “Listening to the News: Voice of America”

Authentic Listening Practice

• Uses real news reports from Voice of America (VOA), exposing learners to natural speech patterns, intonation, and vocabulary used in real-life broadcasts.

Improves Comprehension Skills

• Develops students’ ability to understand spoken English in various contexts, including academic discussions, current events, and everyday conversations.

Enhances Vocabulary and Expressions

• Introduces key words and phrases commonly used in news and formal discussions, helping learners expand their vocabulary.

Develops Critical Thinking

• Encourages students to analyze news stories, summarize key points, and discuss global issues, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

Prepares for English Proficiency Tests

• Beneficial for IELTS, TOEFL, and other standardized tests, as it helps learners adapt to fast-paced spoken English and improve note-taking abilities.

Supports Self-Study and Classroom Use

• Suitable for both independent learners and classroom settings, with structured exercises, transcripts, and answer keys for guided learning.

Strengthens Note-Taking and Dictation Skills

• The included dictation book and exercises train learners to quickly process spoken information and take effective notes.

Engaging and Diverse Topics

• Covers a wide range of subjects such as science, world news, and culture, keeping learners interested and motivated.

 

 

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Effective learning strategies for “Listening to the News: Voice of America”

Pre-Listening Preparation

• Preview Vocabulary: Before listening, scan the unit for key words and phrases to build familiarity.
• Predict Content: Look at headlines or discussion questions and try to predict what the news report will be about.

Active Listening Techniques

• First Listen (General Understanding): Focus on grasping the main idea without worrying about details.
• Second Listen (Key Details): Identify important facts such as names, dates, and key events.
• Third Listen (Deep Understanding): Pay attention to tone, implications, and speaker opinions.

Use the Transcript Wisely

• Without Transcript First: Train your ears to recognize words naturally.
• With Transcript Later: Compare your understanding with the written text to identify misheard words or phrases.

Note-Taking and Summarization

• Take Notes While Listening: Write down main points, keywords, and supporting details.
• Summarize the News: After listening, try to rewrite or orally explain the main points in your own words.

Dictation Practice

• Pause and Write: Play small sections and try to transcribe what you hear.
• Check Accuracy: Compare your transcription with the provided text and correct mistakes.

Engage in Discussion and Application

• Debate and Discuss: Share your thoughts on the news topic with a friend, classmate, or online discussion group.
• Create Questions: Formulate comprehension questions based on the report and answer them.

Gradual Speed Increase

• Start with Slower Listening: If needed, slow down the audio at first.
• Progress to Natural Speed: Challenge yourself by listening at the original speed without pausing.

Review and Repeat

• Revisit Difficult Sections: If you struggle with understanding a report, listen again after a few days.
• Track Progress: Keep a listening journal noting new vocabulary, key points, and areas for improvement.

Combine with Other News Sources

• Compare with Other News: Listen to similar news topics from other sources (BBC, CNN, NPR) to expose yourself to different accents and styles.
• Read News Articles: Reinforce listening with reading by checking written news reports on the same topic.

 

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Effective teaching strategies for “Listening to the News: Voice of America”

Teaching listening skills effectively requires engaging students with structured activities and real-world applications. Here are some strategies to enhance learning using Listening to the News: Voice of America:

1. Pre-Listening Activities (Activate Prior Knowledge)

Warm-Up Discussion:

• Ask students what they know about the topic before listening.
• Show related images or headlines and have students predict the content.

Vocabulary Introduction:

• Highlight key words from the unit and discuss their meanings.
• Use matching exercises or flashcards to reinforce learning.

Listening Purpose Setting:

• Provide guiding questions to help students focus on key details.
• Example: What is the main issue in the news? Who are the key people mentioned?

2. While-Listening Activities (Enhance Comprehension)

First Listen: General Understanding

• Play the audio once without pausing.
• Students identify the main idea and overall topic.
• Quick class discussion: What was the main topic? Was it positive or negative news?

Second Listen: Detailed Comprehension

• Provide a worksheet with multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, or true/false questions.
• Ask students to note key facts (names, locations, statistics).
• Use a stop-and-think method: Pause the audio at key moments to ask comprehension questions.

Third Listen: Deep Analysis

• Discuss the speaker’s tone, attitude, and intended message.
• Encourage students to summarize key points in their own words.
• Compare the story with other sources (if available) to develop critical thinking.

3. Post-Listening Activities (Application & Extension)

Group Discussion & Debate

• Assign students roles (news anchor, expert, eyewitness) and have them discuss the event from different perspectives.
• Encourage students to express opinions: Do you agree with the news? How does it relate to your country?

Note-Taking and Summarization

• Have students write a short summary of the news using their notes.
• Use peer feedback—students exchange summaries and correct each other’s work.

Dictation & Transcription

• Play a short segment and ask students to transcribe it word-for-word.
• Compare their transcription with the original text and correct mistakes.

Creative Task: News Reporting

• Assign students to create their own short news report on a similar topic.
• Record student presentations to improve pronunciation and confidence.

4. Encouraging Independent Practice

Flipped Classroom Approach:

• Assign the news report for homework. Students listen and prepare before discussing in class.

Use Online Resources:

• Encourage students to explore Voice of America (VOA) and other English news sites.

Personalized Listening Goals:

• Have students keep a Listening Journal to track progress, new vocabulary, and personal reflections.

 

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