In China, most of the university students were proficient in reading and writing English. They had problems, however, with speaking and listening to English.
I suggested that they listen to many different things, such as VOA and Radio Free Europe.
Unfortunately, the speakers on these broadcasts usually talk too fast, and they cover complicated subjects.
I also suggested that they watch certain American TV shows. Again, this had problems.
The actors on TV often talk fast, and many of them do not speak clearly.
I finally found something that worked very well. It is the audio version of the Bible.
At first, you may think that I am trying to promote the Bible with this.
No, I am not. Yes, it is true that I read the Bible, and it has completely changed my life. I am less selfish and self-centered.
I am happier and I have a strange calmness when I am in the middle of trouble.
However, this is not the reason I am suggesting that you listen to this. I am suggesting this because the speakers on the audio Bible speak slowly and clearly.
It is perfect for those who have difficulty understanding English speakers.
There is also a dramatized version. The dramatized version has many actors acting out the conversations in the Bible. It makes it much more interesting.
It is still word-for-word as the regular reading, but the actors put emotion into their words. It helps the text come alive.
In addition, there are sound effects, such as waves, birds, etc. And there is often soft music in the background.
Besides making it more enjoyable, it trains you to listen to conversations with quiet background sounds.
There is a place where you can download this for free. Since this group created these audio recordings, they have a legal right to distribute it for free.
Although you want to download the English version to practice your English, you can also download your language if you have trouble understanding some sentences.
So far, this group has recorded the Bible for 679 languages. So, your language is probably there.
There are two ways of listening to this. You can download the MP3 files to your computer.
Or you can download an app and listen to it on your phone. The advantage of the app is that you can read it while you are listening to it.
Here are the instructions to download the app. Go to:
Choose your phone’s OS:
• Android
• IOS
This will take you to the app store.
Download the app.
Click on Audio Bible Resources.
Select MP3 Downloads.
Select the language.
Then, select the version.
I would suggest English Standard Version.
Also select "drama." This is the dramatized version.
I would suggest that you start listening to the "New Testament" first. Start with the book of John.
After listening to the New Testament a couple of times, then start listening to the Old Testament. Start with Psalms and Proverbs.
If you do not want dramatized, then select the one I have shown here.