Listening Practice Sites1. Pulse of the Planet
This site has short audio recordings which are accompanied by the complete text with pictures on one page. These programs are created by Jim Metzner For PULSE OF THE PLANET and include customs and traditions from around the world.
2. Lost and Found Sounds: The Stories
This is a wonderful collection of sound documentaries which provide fascinating cultural history collected by the Kitchen Sisters. These programs are presented on All Things Considered on NPR (National Public Radio). Each recording is connected to a page which includes pictures and a detailed summary of the recording.
3. Talk Programs (NPR)
This site includes programs likeTalk of the Nation and All Things Considered. Another good choice is Fresh Air which has wonderful interviews of famous people!
4. Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab
At this site, you can choose from a list of listening assignments that vary in length and difficulty. The conversations are created for second language learners to test their listening and you can read the transcripts and get help with vocabulary at Randallï¿½s place too.
5. Voice of America News
You can hear the news from around the world and read the transcripts while you listen. Choose the current affairs topic you want to learn more about.
Created by the designers of the pronunciation software, ENGLISH POWER 1 and 2. You have to pay for this pronunciation practice site.
7. EFL Club Songs
Listen to the Beatles and other popular singers and improve your vocabulary. For a little more of a challenge, some of the words are missing from the lyrics for you to guess! This website is lots of fun!
8. Ohio ESL
Ohio University offers an excellent reference list of listening practice sites. The list is well organized and descriptions include degree of difficulty.
Todd Beuckens designed this excellent site for beginner and intermediate learners of English. The audio clips are one to two minutes in length, use natural and informal English, and come with quizzes and dictionary links. Todd features interviews with speakers from all over the world.
10. Live Radio and television from Around the World
No matter what you are looking for, whether it's music or international news, this is a great resource!
11. BBC News from our own correspondent
Personal reflections by BBC correspondents around the world. This is a very nice news and information site. You can research countries around the world in addition to getting the latest news.
12. History Made Every Day
Watch full TV shows and movies at this site.
13. This I Believe
You can listen and read people's philosophy of life statements on this National Public Radio site.
The Power of Hello
Making It Up as I Go Along
Living What You Do Every Day by Yolanda O'Bannon
Telling Kids the Whole Truth
The America I Believe In
14. Interesting Things for ESL Students
There are many useful links to improve your listening skill and pronunciation ability on this Charles Kelly website. You can listen and repeat all those irregular past tense verbs too!
15. Learn English - Feel Good
Among other things, you can improve your ability to understand popular movies and improve your listening skills on this site.
16. News Websites
On these sites you can watch video clips from ABC, MSNBC or CBS news.
17. National Geographic
This website has a lot of educational videos about nature, animals, cultures, science, and more.
18. Discovery channel
This website is similar to National Geographic and includes full TV episodes of popular shows from the Discovery channel.
19. The English Learner Movie Guides
Movie summaries, vocabulary and cultural references, and other resources to support language learners going to the movies.
20. English, baby
There are some good audio and video clips here that replicate authentic speech and provide a good focus on vocabulary. You must also pay for the more advanced features of the website and there are way too many ads.
21. English Central
Learn English while watching videos. You can record your voice and get feedback on this site. One of my students recommended it, so it's definitely worth exploring if you want to improve your speaking. You have to join the site but it's free.
About Martin Luther King, tune in to the short video with Bill Clinton
23. TED: Ideas worth spreading
Lots and lots of great speeches to listen to and learn from.
24. With a Perspective
Local residents share their stories, and there is a new story every week on NPR. Good listening practice, and you can read the transcript after you listen to the story.
Lots of good programs on PBS (Public Broadcasting Service). Entertainment, News, Documentaries, Children's Shows,cooking programs, and many others can be found on this television network.
26. Do you have any websites to add to this list?
Go to http://www.google.com and do a search for ESL listening materials and see what you find! Bring us your results!