· The rate of speaking. Speakers talked not too slow and not to fast. I think the rate of speaking was about average.
· How many times I listened to select podcast? It was difficult for me to find the answers immediately, so I had to listen twice. The first time I listened without much thinking about the answers, just for getting the idea what it was about. The second time was for searching necessary answers for questions. I also had to stop the record, in order to write down these answers or turn the recording back if I didn’t got something.
· Which exercises are useful for improving listening skills? I did just two types of exercises – multiple choice and open-ended questions. I think that both exercises were useful for improving my listening skills. Although I didn’t do true/false exercise, I think it would be useful too.
· How do I evaluate my ability to understand authentic speech? I managed to find all of the answer, so I think my ability to understand authentic speech is good. But it actually could be better.
· Do I think I would be able to pass a listening exam paper if I had to take an exam today? Listening exercise is one of the most difficult for me and I’m not sure about my ability to pass a listening exam if I had to take it today.
· How can I improve my listening skills? I think it’s a good idea to listen to your friend in English classes, watch English films, listen to podcast or authentic cassette recordings in class, also if it possible talk to native speakers.
