A guide to audio for English learners

Featured in

    Improve your English language skills with our guide to audio learning. Explore resources and tips for effective language acquisition.

    A guide to audio for English learners

    Learning English can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding spoken language. Many learners struggle with comprehending different accents, intonations, and speeds of speech. However, audio can be a powerful tool for improving English listening and English speaking skills. In this guide, we will explore various types of audio materials and offer tips on how to make the most out of them.

    Best types of audio for studying English

    Audio is a great resource for English learners and ESL students to improve their listening and speaking skills. There are various types of audio materials available for learners at different levels, including:

    Podcasts

    Podcasts are a great tool for English learners as they offer a wide range of topics and speakers. Listening to podcasts can help learners improve their listening comprehension, vocabulary, and understanding of natural English speech patterns. Additionally, podcasts can expose learners to different accents and regional dialects, as well as help listeners learn about topics that interest them, which can make the learning process more engaging and enjoyable.

    Text to speech audio files

    Text to speech programs like Speechify can be a valuable tool for language learners. These programs can turn any physical and digital text into audio files, allowing learners to hear the correct pronunciation of words and phrases in real time. This technology can also help learners improve their listening skills and comprehension, as they can listen to the text being read aloud.

    Audiobooks and short stories

    Audiobooks and short stories can be valuable resources for ESL learners. They offer engaging stories that can help learners develop their listening comprehension and vocabulary. Audiobooks and short stories are also a great way to improve pronunciation and intonation, as learners can listen to native speakers read aloud the text. Additionally, they can provide learners with exposure to different genres and writing styles.

    News broadcasts

    Listening to news broadcasts is an excellent way for English learners to improve their listening skills and stay up to date on current events. News broadcasts often use formal language and provide a wealth of information that can help learners improve their vocabulary and comprehension. Additionally, news broadcasts offer exposure to different accents and dialects, which can help learners develop their listening skills.

    Radio segments

    Radio segments are similar to podcasts in that they offer a wide range of topics and speakers. However, radio segments are often shorter and more focused on a specific topic. This can make them a great tool for English learners who want to improve their listening comprehension and vocabulary on a particular subject. Additionally, radio segments can expose learners to different accents and regional dialects.

    TV shows and movies

    TV shows and movies can be a fun and engaging way for English learners to improve their listening comprehension and vocabulary. They offer exposure to natural English speech patterns, regional dialects, and cultural references. Additionally, watching TV shows and movies can help learners improve their pronunciation and intonation.

    Music

    Music can be a fun and enjoyable way for English learners to improve their listening skills and vocabulary. Listening to music can help learners develop their comprehension of natural English speech patterns and pronunciation. Additionally, music can expose learners to different genres and regional dialects.

    Language apps and audio courses

    Language apps and audio courses are designed specifically for language learners and can provide structured and comprehensive learning experiences. These resources often offer exercises and quizzes that can help learners improve their listening comprehension, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Additionally, language apps and audio courses can provide learners with exposure to different accents and dialects.

    Dictation exercises

    Dictation exercises can be a useful tool for English learners who want to improve their listening comprehension and spelling skills. These exercises involve listening to a speaker and writing down what is said. Dictation exercises can help learners develop their ability to understand natural English speech patterns and improve their spelling. Additionally, dictation exercises can be a useful way to reinforce grammar and vocabulary lessons, such as those covering tenses and phrasal verbs.

    How to use audio to study English

    When using audio to study the English language and improve your skills, here are a few best practices:

    1. Choose audio materials that are appropriate for your level and interests. For example, if you’re an intermediate learner interested in news, you can listen to news broadcasts in English.
    2. Listen actively and try to understand as much as possible. Take notes on new vocabulary, idioms, or phrases that you don’t know.
    3. Practice listening comprehension by listening to audio materials multiple times. You can also use quizzes or dictation exercises to test your comprehension.
    4. Use audio to improve your pronunciation by repeating phrases or sentences that you hear. Try to mimic the intonation and rhythm of native speakers.
    5. Engage in listening activities that are interactive, such as conversation practice or listening games, to improve your English speaking skills.
    6. Use subtitles or transcripts to help you understand the audio materials better.
    7. Gradually increase the difficulty level of the audio materials as you improve your listening skills. Start with beginner-level books then work your way to intermediate-level and upper-intermediate level materials.

    Top language learning audio recommendations

    Learning a new language can be a challenging but rewarding experience, and audio resources can be an excellent tool to aid in the process. Here are some of the best audio resources for English learners:

    Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab

    Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab offers a range of listening exercises, quizzes, and dictation exercises designed to help learners improve their English listening skills. The site also provides valuable resources to help learners improve their English pronunciation and fluency. The materials on this site are organized by level, making it easy for learners to find the right content.

    BBC Learning English

    BBC Learning English offers a variety of materials that cater to the needs of English learners of all levels. These materials include listening practice exercises, grammar lessons, and pronunciation tutorials. The site also offers a range of learning resources that cover a wide range of topics, making it a valuable resource for learners who want to develop their language skills in a variety of areas. For example, they offer a podcast and listening lesson called 6 Minute English which provides six-minute episodes that cover a range of topics in an easy-to-understand format.

    Voice of America

    Voice of America provides news stories and current events coverage in English that is specifically designed for English learners. This content is ideal for intermediate to advanced learners who want to improve their listening and comprehension skills while staying up to date on global events. The site also provides resources to help learners improve their pronunciation and fluency.

    ELLLO

    ELLLO is a website that offers a range of listening exercises and resources for English learners. The site features audio recordings of conversations and interviews with native speakers, as well as listening comprehension quizzes and dictation exercises. These materials are designed to help learners develop their listening skills and improve their vocabulary, making it a valuable resource for language learners at all levels.

    Spotify

    With its vast library of songs, podcasts, and audio content in multiple languages, Spotify offers a unique opportunity for learners to immerse themselves in the language they are studying. One of the most popular features on Spotify for language learners is its selection of language-learning and educational podcasts. For example, English as a Second Language Podcast is specifically designed for English learners and features daily episodes covering a range of topics, including idioms, grammar, and pronunciation. Additionally, Stuff You Should Know is a popular podcast that covers a variety of topics and is a great way for learners to improve their listening skills while learning new information.

    Speechify – A must-have language learning tool

    Speechify is a text to speech software that can help English learners improve their language skills by providing a natural and engaging way to listen to English texts. With Speechify, learners can listen to any digital or physical text on their device, including articles, social media posts, emails, webpages, handwritten notes, and more, as if it were being read aloud by a human. In fact, Speechify offers the most humanlike AI narrator voice options in a wide variety of languages and accents, as well as speed controls so users can customize the listening experience to fit their specific needs.

    By listening to English texts with Speechify, learners can improve their listening skills, pronunciation, and vocabulary. They can also practice their comprehension skills by following along with the text highlighting while listening.

    Level up your language learning by trying Speechify for free today.

    Cliff Weitzman

    Cliff Weitzman

    Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.

    Dyslexia & Accessibility Advocate, CEO/Founder of Speechify Dyslexia & Accessibility Advocate, CEO/Founder of Speechify

    Recent Blogs

    • Ultimate guide to ElevenLabs
      Ultimate guide to ElevenLabs
      Arrow
    • Voice changer for Discord
      Voice changer for Discord
      Arrow
    • How to download YouTube audio
      How to download YouTube audio
      Arrow
    • Speechify 3.0 Released.
      Speechify 3.0 is the Best Text to Speech App Yet.
      Arrow
    • Voice API
      Voice API: Everything You Need to Know
      Arrow
    • Text to audio
      Best text to speech generator apps
      Arrow
    • The best AI tools other than ChatGPT
      The best AI tools other than ChatGPT
      Arrow
    • Top voice over marketplaces reviewed
      Top voice over marketplaces reviewed
      Arrow
    • Speechify Studio vs. Descript
      Speechify Studio vs. Descript
      Arrow
    • Google Cloud Text to Speech API
      Everything to Know About Google Cloud Text to Speech API
      Arrow
    • Source of Joe Biden deepfake revealed after election interference
      Source of Joe Biden deepfake revealed after election interference
      Arrow
    • How to listen to scientific papers
      How to listen to scientific papers
      Arrow
    • How to add music to CapCut
      How to add music to CapCut
      Arrow
    • What is CapCut?
      What is CapCut?
      Arrow
    • VEED vs. InVideo
      VEED vs. InVideo
      Arrow
    • Speechify Studio vs. Kapwing
      Speechify Studio vs. Kapwing
      Arrow
    • Voices.com vs. Voice123
      Voices.com vs. Voice123
      Arrow
    • Voices.com vs. Fiverr Voice Over
      Voices.com vs. Fiverr Voice Over
      Arrow
    • Fiverr voice overs vs. Speechify Voice Over Studio
      Fiverr voice overs vs. Speechify Voice Over Studio
      Arrow
    • Voices.com vs. Speechify Voice Over Studio
      Voices.com vs. Speechify Voice Over Studio
      Arrow
    • Voice123 vs. Speechify Voice Over Studio
      Voice123 vs. Speechify Voice Over Studio
      Arrow
    • Voice123 vs. Fiverr voice overs
      Voice123 vs. Fiverr voice overs
      Arrow
    • HeyGen vs. Synthesia
      HeyGen vs. Synthesia
      Arrow
    • Hour One vs. Synthesia
      Hour One vs. Synthesia
      Arrow
    • HeyGen vs. Hour One
      HeyGen vs. Hour One
      Arrow
    • Speechify makes Google’s Favorite Chrome Extensions of 2023 list
      Speechify makes Google’s Favorite Chrome Extensions of 2023 list
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Vimeo Video: A Comprehensive Guide
      How to Add a Voice Over to Vimeo Video: A Comprehensive Guide
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video: A Comprehensive Guide
      How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video: A Comprehensive Guide
      Arrow
    • What is Speech AI: Explained
      What is Speech AI: Explained
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      The Best Celebrity Voice Generators in 2024
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      YouTube Text to Speech: Elevating Your Video Content with Speechify
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      The 7 best alternatives to Synthesia.io
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Everything you need to know about text to speech on TikTok
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      The 10 best text-to-speech apps for Android
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      How to convert a PDF to speech
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      The top girl voice changers
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      How to use Siri text to speech
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Obama text to speech
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Robot Voice Generators: The Futuristic Frontier of Audio Creation
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      PDF Read Aloud: Free & Paid Options
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Alternatives to FakeYou text to speech
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      All About Deepfake Voices
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      TikTok voice generator
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Text to speech GoAnimate
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      The best celebrity text to speech voice generators
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      PDF Audio Reader
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      How to get text to speech Indian voices
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Elevating Your Anime Experience with Anime Voice Generators
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Best text to speech online
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Top 50 movies based on books you should read
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Download audio
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      How to use text-to-speech for Quandale Dingle meme sounds
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Top 5 apps that read out text
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      The top female text to speech voices
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Female voice changer
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Sonic text to speech voice generator online
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Best AI voice generators – The Ultimate List
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Voice changer
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Text to speech in Powerpoint
      Arrow
    footer-waves