90-Day English Listening Mastery Plan: Tailored Practice for Fluency Improvement Based on CEFR Levels

Older English language student practicing listening
under the spreading branches of a tree.
The serene atmosphere is perfect for focused learning.

90 Day Listening Method

by Robert Farmilo

To learn English you must understand English.

To understand English you must be able to listen to English and understand all the words and phrases.
To understand English means you comprehend what you are hearing with your ears.
And to really be able to do this means you understand and comprehend English in real-time.
You hear the English words and phrases and do not translate inside your mind from English into your own native language.
It all happens automatically inside your mind.
It also means you really do understand what is going on. You get it.
To be able to do this is a really big deal.
And if that is your goal, then you need this method you can follow that is geared towards your current level of English language fluency.
The method will give you results when followed as directed. It comes with all the FREE tools you need. Scroll down past the lesson plan to find all the links.
There are also links to methods that really work when you use them. These different methods will help you get better at the English language.
First you must identify and clarify.

Identify your problem and set goals

  • Avoid setting very general goals.
  • General goals create an unclear path to success.
  • Select 2-3 recent situations where using English didn't go as planned.
  • Focus on situations where you felt dissatisfied with your performance.
  • Use these situations to set specific goals.
  • Identifying problem areas will help you address them effectively.
  • Knowing where to improve brings you closer to fluency.
--- IMPORTANT ---
When possible select content that catches your fancy.
We have some terms to use to sound like we know what we are talking about.
Here are two of my favorites:

Interest-Driven Learning 
Encourages learners to engage with content that interests them.

Importance of Compelling Input
Compelling input keeps learners engaged and motivated.

Absorb content that you like and enjoy, maybe are curious about, perhaps a passion you have for cooking, or something that just mildly amuses you --- whatever it is, look for the stuff that INTERESTS you and ENGAGES you.


MOST IMPORTANT!

Select 2-3 recent situations where using English didn't go as planned.


Identify the problem. EXAMPLE: I don't understand basic conversations with native speakers when they talk fast.


Identifying problem areas will help you address them effectively.


Each person deeply focused on reading and listening to English.
The room is warm and inviting, enhancing the learning atmosphere.

English Listening Practice Lesson Plan

Objective:

To improve English listening skills through consistent practice tailored to the learners' fluency level, measured by the CEFR standard.

Materials:

  • Fluency Test (EF Standard English Test)

  • Audio resources (podcasts, audiobooks, news)

  • Notebooks and pens

  • Access to listening practice platforms (VOA Learning English, BBC Learning English, etc.)

Pre-lesson Activity:

  1. Fluency Test:

    • Objective: Assess current English listening skills.

    • Activity: Take the EF Standard English Test (EF SET) to determine your CEFR level.

    • Importance: Understanding your CEFR level helps tailor your practice to your current abilities, ensuring more effective learning.

Lesson Plan:

Step 1: Understanding the CEFR Levels

  • A1-A2 (Beginner)

    • Focus on understanding basic phrases and familiar words.

    • Use slow-spoken and clearly articulated audio resources.

  • B1-B2 (Intermediate)

    • Focus on understanding the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters.

    • Use slightly faster audio resources, including news and short stories.

  • C1-C2 (Advanced)

    • Focus on understanding a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognizing implicit meaning.

    • Use natural speed audio resources like podcasts and audiobooks.

Step 2: Listening Practice Plan

Period 1: Minimal Practice (30 minutes/day)

  • Duration: 90 days

  • Activities:

    • 15 minutes: Listen to slow-spoken audio suited for your level (e.g., VOA Learning English for beginners).

    • 15 minutes: Write a summary or main points in your notebook.

  • Expected Results: Noticeable improvement in understanding familiar phrases and basic sentences.

Period 2: Moderate Practice (1 hour/day)

  • Duration: 90 days

  • Activities:

    • 20 minutes: Listen to audio slightly above your level to challenge yourself.

    • 20 minutes: Note down new vocabulary and phrases.

    • 20 minutes: Re-listen to the audio and try to catch more details.

  • Expected Results: Enhanced ability to understand main points of conversations and short dialogues.

Period 3: Optimum Practice (2 hours/day)

  • Duration: 90 days

  • Activities:

    • 40 minutes: Listen to natural speed podcasts or audiobooks.

    • 40 minutes: Write detailed summaries and reflections on the content.

    • 40 minutes: Engage in interactive listening activities (e.g., online quizzes, shadowing exercises).

  • Expected Results: Significant improvement in comprehending longer texts and recognizing implicit meanings, leading to a higher fluency level.

Step 3: Monitoring Progress

  • Weekly Check-ins:

    • Self-assessment and reflection on the progress.

    • Adjusting the difficulty of audio materials as needed.

  • Monthly Reviews:

    • Retake the EF SET to measure improvement.

    • Share progress with peers or on social media for motivation.

Homework:

  • Daily Practice: Follow the listening practice plan according to your selected period.

  • Weekly Summary: Write a brief summary of what you listened to each week and any new vocabulary or phrases learned.

Conclusion:

Consistent practice tailored to your fluency level, measured by the CEFR standard, will significantly improve your listening skills. By dedicating the appropriate amount of time daily, you can achieve noticeable to excellent results in 90 days.


Middle-aged woman from China taking an English fluency test online
while sitting on a bench under a tree. The peaceful outdoor setting enhances her concentration as she works on her laptop.

Complete the fluency test. 

Time budget: 15 minutes.

>>> FREE FLUENCY TEST <<<


Get your free English assessment in 15 minutes.

VOA Learning English and EF Standard English Test offer a 15-minute test.

The test assesses reading and listening skills.

Results are aligned to CEFR levels.

Various English language listening resources, including devices like a laptop, smartphone, and tablet, as well as physical materials such as notebooks and printed articles. The well-organized study space provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere for learning.

Here are some free sources for audio listening content in English that cater to different fluency levels and include a variety of native accents:

Beginner Level

  1. ESL Pod: Offers English learning podcasts designed specifically for beginners.

  2. Voice of America (VOA) Learning English: Provides news and feature stories spoken at a slower pace.

  3. BBC Learning English: Features a variety of programs and podcasts aimed at beginner English learners.

Intermediate Level

  1. EnglishClass101: Offers audio lessons for intermediate learners, with a focus on real-life conversations.

  2. All Ears English Podcast: Focuses on real-world English and idioms, great for intermediate learners.

  3. The English We Speak (BBC): Provides short episodes explaining common English phrases and expressions.

Advanced Level

  1. NPR (National Public Radio): Features a wide range of podcasts and radio shows on various topics, perfect for advanced learners.

  2. TED Talks: Offers talks on a variety of subjects, often by native speakers with different accents.

  3. The Daily (The New York Times): A daily news podcast that provides in-depth coverage of current events.


Native Accents and Regional Variations

  1. LangMedia: Offers video and audio content featuring native speakers from different English-speaking countries.

  2. BBC World Service: Provides global news with various English accents, including British, Australian, and more.

  3. Radiolab: Features innovative storytelling and journalism, showcasing a variety of American English accents.

These resources should provide a well-rounded selection of listening materials suitable for different fluency levels and interests.


Is there more? Yes.

All these next links take you to methods that actively engage your listening comprehension skills...like crazy.


Simple, direct, fast results when consistent.

Now add this super booster method to your training.

This works. Period. Fun, fast, a total game changer. 

Intense. Fascinating. Directly implants English
into your brain.

How to learn and remember English Vocabulary.

How to think your way to real English fluency.

Take the 90 Day Challenge. Change everything.









 


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