Improving TOEFL iBT® Listening by Watching International News

Struggling with the TOEFL listening section is common, especially when the audio feels fast or unfamiliar. One simple and effective way to improve is by watching international news in English. It helps you get used to different accents, real-life speech, and academic vocabulary. This method also builds your listening stamina and sharpens your comprehension. Let’s explore how watching international news can improve your TOEFL listening skills in a natural and stress-free way.

How to Use International News to Practice TOEFL Listening

Not sure how to make the most of news for your TOEFL prep? Here are simple and effective ways to use international news to strengthen your TOEFL listening skills:

1. Choose English News Channels with Clear Pronunciation: 

Start by picking international news outlets that use standard, clear English. Channels like BBC News, CNN, or Al Jazeera English are great for practicing TOEFL listening skills because their anchors speak at a moderate pace with well-pronounced words. For example, a BBC report on climate change helps you hear academic-style language that often appears in TOEFL lectures.

2. Watch Short News Clips with Subtitles First: 

If you're just starting, use clips that are under 5 minutes and turn on subtitles. Listening while reading helps you connect the sound with the words visually. Over time, remove subtitles to test your actual listening ability. A short report about a new policy or global event is a good choice because it's structured and uses formal English, similar to TOEFL audio passages.

3. Pause and Repeat Key Sentences: 

When you hear a sentence that feels complex or fast, pause the video and replay it two to three times. Try to repeat it out loud. This trains your ear to catch pronunciation patterns and improves your spoken rhythm too. If a newsreader says, “The United Nations has announced a new resolution on global education,” try repeating it exactly as you hear it. This mirrors TOEFL listening tasks where you must catch detailed information.

4. Take Notes Like You Would in the TOEFL Exam: 

Use a notebook and jot down the main idea, key details, and any numbers or names while watching. This practice builds your ability to listen and take notes at the same time, just like in the TOEFL exam. For instance, while watching a segment on economic growth, note down the country, the percentage mentioned, and the cause of the growth. These are often the type of facts TOEFL questions focus on.

5. Summarize What You Watched in Your Own Words: 

After watching a news story, try to explain it out loud or in writing in simple English. This not only checks your understanding but also helps with TOEFL speaking and writing sections. If you watched a segment on space exploration, you might say, “The report explained how NASA plans to launch a new satellite to study distant galaxies.” This builds your ability to extract and express main ideas clearly.

6. Listen to Different Accents and Reporting Styles: 

TOEFL listening tasks can include both native and non-native accents. News from global sources exposes you to a range of pronunciations. Try alternating between channels like BBC (British accent), CNN (American accent), and ABC Australia to widen your listening range. This prepares you to understand conversations or lectures in any accent during the actual test.

7. Make It a Daily Habit for Best Results: 

Consistency matters more than long hours. Even 15 minutes of listening to international news every day helps you get used to the speed, vocabulary, and structure of formal English. Morning news recaps or evening summaries are great for building this habit. The more you expose yourself to this kind of language, the better your performance in the TOEFL listening section.

Best International News Channels to Improve TOEFL Listening Skills

Let’s explore some of the most reliable international news channels that help you practice TOEFL Listening iBT skills :

Using international news to improve your TOEFL listening skills is a smart and practical approach. It exposes you to real English, spoken clearly and with purpose. With regular practice, you'll feel more confident, focused, and prepared for the listening section.

Additional Resources:

• Best Podcasts and Audio Resources for TOEFL Listening Practice
• Using Audiobooks with Transcripts to Practice TOEFL Listening & Reading Together
• Improve TOEFL Listening by Following Stand-Up Comedy in English
• The Role of Self-Talk in TOEFL Listening Performance
• Using the Cornell Note-Taking Method for TOEFL Listening Practice
• How to Keep Up with Fast Speakers in TOEFL Listening Tasks
• Daily TOEFL Listening Exercises for a 30-Day Study Plan
• Best Podcasts and Audio Resources for TOEFL® Listening Practice