In order to practice English listening skills, we recommend three things:

1. Good listening materials:  short, realistic, a little higher than your level
Podcasts are great for practicing listening.
Check out these websites for audio practice.
Videos can also be useful for improving skills.
Many textbooks have audio recordings and exercises.
2. Background information:  know soemthing about the topic beforehand
Prepare your mind by thinking about the topic ahead of time.
Think about vocabulary you might encounter.
Predict what language and information you might hear.

3. Techniques for Practice:  Listen for general and specific information
Listen the first time to get the gist (general idea)
Listen a second time for specific details.
Have a purpose or something to listen for
Listen a third time to review what you have learned.

As I get older, I become more and more depressed with the minute amount I have achieved in my life, particularly when compared to people such as these.

This is an article about 5 child prodigies, but there are some words missing.

I have supplied the words and their meanings.

All you have to do is put them in the correct gaps.

Good luck!
Lesson by Caroline Devane

"Generic hyperbole belongs on cereal boxes, not on résumés," says Duncan Mathison, a career consultant and co-author of "Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough." "If it does not pass the 'So what, anybody can make that claim' test, leave it off." Instead of being another candidate professing to be a "hard worker," revitalize your application with a little seek-and-replace exercise. Scan your résumé for empty, overused words such as the following:

1.  Outstanding

2.  Effective

3.  Strong

4.  Exceptional

5.  Good

6.  Excellent

7.  Driven

8.  Motivated

9.  Seasoned

10. Energetic