How can I improve my French listening skills?

Listening can seem like one of the hardest parts of French to revise for. But don't worry it doesn't have to be! Below are some useful tips to help you get ready for your listening exam.

1) Find a french singer who you like and listen to their songs

When you first listen to the songs, google the words and try to read along as they sing so you know what they are saying. This is really useful because it gets you accustomed to hearing French. We all know what it's like to have a song stuck in your head! Well if that song is in French, you could be revising without even realising! 

2) Youtube is your friend

There are hundreds of vidoes on youtube for French beginners. Some offer help for grammar and some do basic conversation for you to listen along to. You can even find some really interesting French vloggers. Find a channel you like and subscribe! These videos tend to be between 2-5 mins long so it's easy to find time to have a quick listen. 

3) Get an audiobook

When you order and audiobook in French, order the actual book as well so that you can read along and get used to the pronunciation of words. Audiobooks are often read at quite a slow pace so you won't feel left behind. It's best to get a story you know (I chose Harry Potter) so you already know what is going on and can concentrate on the French.

FOR THE EXAM ITSELF

4) Learn word clusters

French listening exams tend to use a lot of synonyms so that the word in the question isn't always the word they will use in the audio clip. So it is useful to learn little groups of words. For example: nager, la natation and la piscine (to swim, swimming and swimming pool).

5) Look out for tricks

Unfortunately the examiners try to trick you sometimes! Write out a list of words that change the meaning such as ne...pas (the negative) or jamais (never). Then listen out for them to make sure the answer is exactly what you think it is!

I hope this helps and good luck with your revision!