Listening is difficult / 듣기 공부가 어려워요

Listening is a fundamental skill in communication. No matter what language, good listening can ensure good comprehension and, is a symbol of respect. Naturally, listening is more difficult when English isn’t your first language.

If you’re wanting new ways to supplement your English listening (rather than relying on watching movies/shows). Here are some ways you can strengthen your skills.

Watch The News

Not only is this a great way to see what is happening around the world. The daily exercise can be great to create an English environment. Perhaps, you can listen to it while eating breakfast or on the commute to work.

A great one to start with is “One-minute World News” by the BBC. It’s short and insightful and a nice bit of factual listening practice.

Extra challenge:

  • If you have a little time on your hands, why not try to note some keywords you hear?
  • Or, write a transcript of what you hear

Listen to Podcasts

If you’re someone who enjoys listening to motivational speeches or, just something stimulating. A podcast is a great listening tool.

So, where to begin?

TED/TEDx Talks – Speakers will discuss a range of topics e.g. motivational videos. What’s great is their videos are transcribed. You can not only listen, but read along.

Culips – Provide podcasts of slowed down, natural, English conversations. Great for learning grammar and sentence patterns! They also provide transcripts and key vocabulary in a study guide!

Audio Books

If you want the benefits of reading, without having to sit down and read, consider listening to an audiobook. Audiobooks have made reading accessible for all; no matter what lifestyle! Here are some places to start:

Follow along reading on YouTube – Great in particular for children as there are visual aids

Audible – A fantastic selection of books, lots of different genres and, podcasts. What’s great is they offer a 30-day free trial

Digitalbook.io – Offer a selection of free audiobooks including some literary classics.

In addition to the above, some important things to also consider is making sure to attend English classes weekly. Why? This is one of the best ways to work on listening in a conversational environment. It allows you also to get direct feedback from a professional when you are struggling. Feel free to book a free trial class with our lovely teachers at Panda Learn!

We hope you give these tips a try and wish you all the best in strengthening those core listening skills. All the best!

British English vs American English

English is a widely spoken language. We know this and assume it’ll be straightforward. However, between the two most popular accents, there are many differences. Differences include pronunciation, spelling and word choices. Grab a notebook and pen because here we will share some useful differences you need to know.


The first way that British and American English differ is with particular words. Here is a list of examples.

BRITISH

Holiday

Biscuit

Sweets

Football

Flat

Chips

Candy floss

Crisps

Taxi

Handbag

Purse

Jumper

AMERICAN

Vacation

Cookie

Candy

Soccer

Apartment

French fries

Cotton candy

Chips

Cab

Purse

Wallet

Sweater

Photo by Mong Bui on Unsplash

Another way British and American English differ is pronunciation of words

ORIGINAL

Aluminium

Vitamin

Mum

Water

Mobile

Tomato

BRITISH

Al-yu-min-yum

Vih-ta-min

Mum

Wah-ta

Mo-by-yul

To-mah-to

AMERICAN

A-loo-min-num

Vy-ta-min

Mom

Wodder

Mo-bul

To-may-to


Lastly, you may notice that the spelling of words differ.

Letter ‘S’ or ‘Z’

American English – Realize, organize, apologize

British English – Realise, organise, apologise

Adding the letter ‘U’

American English – Color, behavior, armor

British English – Colour, behaviour, armour


Hopefully, this brief introduction into the differences between British and American English has made things a little more clear. Feel free to check out more of our blog posts or sign up for a free class by visiting our site!

Is Studying English Online Effective?

Since these days, technology has become extremely advanced. Many of us flick through our phones on Instagram, Facebook etc. A lot of that time we probably realise was time-wasting. Perhaps you associate your phone with an escape from studying. But it is so important that we start using technology to do us some good.

Let’s get down to business. You want to learn English and feel like online classes might not be effective? I’m going to prove to you why that is wrong.

  1. Flexible: You can take classes at a time that is best for you. If you feel that you’re busy with work or school during the day, it might be difficult to learn a language with a tutor in a physical setting contrastingly, if you take online classes, you can study after work or school. So, enjoy your dinner and take a class. Seems like a win-win to me!
  2. Comfort: If you are a bit of a homebody (like me), you perhaps dread the thought sometimes of leaving the house. (Ah, the tiresome task of choosing an outfit…) Taking online classes saves you the trouble 🤭 You can take classes in your comfy PJs with your favourite snacks beside you. Seriously, it’s one relaxing but rewarding time. *Please note, don’t make your teacher jealous with your delicious snacks – we can get slightly jealous*
  3. Cost: If you compare the cost of studying online vs in a physical classroom, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It’s a lot cheaper to study online!
  4. 1-on-1 learning time: Perhaps you’re a little shy. In the past, the thought of speaking aloud in English in front of your peers sent chills down your spine. Don’t fret! With the online classes, you have the attention of your teacher. You won’t have to worry about others or any feel pressure. If you don’t understand something, you can work with your teacher through the issue until you finally understand. What’s great is you can work at your own pace and build a great rapport with the teacher. Check out some of our teachers😉
  5. Range of classes: Picture this, it’s the new year and, you’re super busy with family and celebrating. However, you usually take English classes every Saturday and, you don’t want to break the routine. You might not want to take your usual 45-minute class, so thanks to the flexibility of online studies, you can perhaps squeeze in a 15-minute class. So yes, there’s a range of timings you can choose from and different class topics. Whatever your interest or schedule, you have no worries.
  6. “I don’t want to show my face”: Don’t let your shyness hold you back anymore. Do you want to learn English? You are capable! If you really dislike video calls, online ESL schools offer the option for audio classes. This is excellent to build on listening skills too and some all-important self-confidence. Even us teachers get super shy sometimes too, so know, you’re not alone!

If you’re feeling motivated and inspired to start learning English and booking your first class, please be sure to check out https://panda-learn.com. You can book your free 15-minute class with us and get a taste for studying English online now.

All the best ❤️