When I am practicing listening using Ted Talks or movies, should I have the subtitles on or off?
When I am practicing listening using Ted Talks or movies should I have the subtitles on or off?
Practice listening once without subtitles first (cover the bottom of the screen with a piece of paper if necessary) and choose shorter sections or clips to listen to depending on your ability.
If you can't understand what the speaker is saying without subtitles, then turn the subtitles on. Try to match the sounds of the words to the words you are reading.
Check your comprehension by listening again with subtitles. Use subtitles in English (if available) first, then listen again with subtitles in your own language if necessary. Remember that subtitle translations in your own language may not always be accurate.
As your vocabulary and listening skills improve, try watching videos WITHOUT subtitles. Watch for a minute or two and then rewind and turn the subtitles on. Watch again and check to see if you understood correctly.
