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Start listening without the transcript (the auto-scroll window is hidden by default). Aim to listen a couple of times through. If the audio is far beyond your current level and you struggle to understand it, consider reading the English translation first (click/tap the bar below the player). This will give you the gist of the audio piece. Then, go back and listen to the audio again.
You can also use the audio to work on your pronunciation. Put meaning aside and concentrate solely on the sounds. Shadow the speaker, mimicking their sounds, rhythm, and intonation as closely as possible. If you encounter sounds that trip you up, pause and work on mastering them. As you try to replicate the sounds, pay close attention to how your lips, jaw, and tongue move. The more aware you become of these physicalities, the easier it will be to produce the sounds correctly.
Now with the text in front of you, you can fill in the gaps. Don’t rush to look up new words in the dictionary or look inside the English translation. Instead, try to figure out their meaning from the context as this leads to better word retention. On the other hand, use the English translation to help you figure out idiomatic expressions.
Pro tip! In the transcript auto-scroll window, tap or click any line of text to skip the audio to that point.
Take a short break before this final step. Listen to the audio one final time. Everything should sound clearer now. Don’t forget to celebrate the progress you’ve just made. Parabéns!