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Listening Skills & Anxiety Management

Master the mental game of the listening exam. Learn active listening techniques and practical strategies to manage exam nerves.

Active Listening

Learn to listen with purpose

Context Clues

Handle unfamiliar words

Anxiety Management

Stay calm under pressure

Confidence Building

Trust your abilities

Active vs Passive Listening

The difference between hearing and truly listening can mean the difference between grades.

Passive ListeningAvoid
Active ListeningDo This

Click any row to see a helpful tip

The Three Phases of Listening

Each listening has distinct phases. Here's exactly what to do in each one.

Pre-Listening

Use your 5-minute reading time wisely - this is where exams are won!

Read ALL questions first

2 mins

Scan through every question before the audio starts. Know what you're listening for.

Underline key words

1.5 mins

Circle numbers, names, places, and question words (qui, quand, ou, combien).

Predict vocabulary

1 min

Think about what French words you might hear based on the topic.

Note cognates

30 secs

Identify words that look similar to English - they often sound similar too.

Focus Tip: Use a finger to track as you read each question. Physical movement helps maintain focus.

Context Clue Trainer
1/5Score: 0

Figure out the meaning of the highlighted word using context clues!

Apres le match de football, j'etais tres epuise et je voulais dormir.

What does "epuise" most likely mean?

Managing Exam Anxiety

Feeling nervous is normal. Here are practical tools to help you stay calm and focused.

Anxiety Scenario Game
1/4

What would YOU do in these stressful exam moments?

The audio has started and you realise you didn't read all the questions during reading time.

Feeling: Panic and feeling unprepared

What do you do?

4-4-4 Breathing Exercise

Use before the exam or when you feel anxious

Press Start

Tip: Do 3-5 cycles before your exam starts. You can also do this silently during reading time!

Confidence Builder

Get personalised strategies based on how you're feeling

Very AnxiousVery Confident
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Your current level:

5/10 - Moderate Anxiety

5/10