A Multidisciplinary Research Journal - Devanga Arts College

efficient listener one should understand the listening strategies and then apply it at times of
listening.
LISTENING STRATEGIES:
Listening strategies are techniques or activities that contribute directly to the
comprehension and recall of listening input. Listening strategies can be classified according to
how the listener processes the input.
Top-down strategies are listener based; the listener taps into background knowledge of the
topic. This background knowledge activates a set of expectations that help the listener to
interpret what is heard and anticipate what will come next. Top-down strategies include
� listening for the main idea
� predicting
� drawing inferences
� summarizing
Bottom-up strategies are text based; the listener relies on the language in the message, that is, the
combination of sounds, words, and grammar that creates meaning. Bottom-up strategies include
� listening for specific details
� recognizing cognates (equivalents)
� recognizing word-order patterns
THE ESSENTIALS OF LISTENING:
Listen to the talks and lectures.
Be familiar with the meaning of words when spoken.
Understand conversations and passages.
Grasp the main points even when sentence structures are difficult.
Listen to radio and TV programs produced in English.
THE REASONS FOR INEFFECTIVE LISTENING:
One feels embarrassed to receive advice from others.
One feels they should never be blamed.
One feels that one should never be criticized.
One feels that one should never demand of an answer from one.
One feels that one should never discuss of one’s performance before the
classmates.