After an alpha test run of the ChinesePod Listening Test, we received some great user feedback. The suggestions we have implemented include:
- some adjustments in the statements so that the vocabulary is not over-specific
- all audio was re-recorded, smoothing out the overly slow, awkward pauses in the lower levels
- after you click on “yes” or “no” and move on to the next question, the next statement begins playing automatically
The test will surely be further refined in the future, but we feel that in its revised state it is now a worthy addition to the Learning Center (available to premium subscribers). You will need the Flash 9 plugin to use the Listening Test.
Thanks to all our users for the feedback. It’s always welcome.
Nice. I’m still Newbie (high).
I’ve also run the test. It says I’m Elementary (Low). I shouldnt run it!! I was happy thinking I was intermediate!!
On the other hand. Being positive. I have to study more and harder. Ken, do you have any recommendation for improving our listening comprenhension? I mean, when I have a chance to practice chinese I do it, for example, the other day I went to a Japanese restaurant (although all of them were from China!) and I notice that I’m able to build sentences and expressions in chinese, but I’m not so good when listening. My feelings are confirnmed with this test. Am I doing anything wrong? Is this the normal progress? Maybe, I want to learn too fast…
I got Elementary (low) on my second try.
Ingenious design. I would think that each test-taker would think the test was made just for his level, so no one feels like he’s a schlep. Also, it’s affirming to know what level you are and what you should concentrate on. Altogether a fine addition to your set of learning tools. Also becoming quite fond of John’s tone pairs applet.
congrats and thanks.
I like the test a lot! I scored Intermediate (high), which I think is just about right (does the test go higher? I understood all of the sentences…). Is there any possibility of expanding the listening test with more sentences at each level, so that it would have use as a periodic self-testing tool? I think if it always uses the same sentences it would eventually lose value, but if there were fresh sentences added into on a regular basis and then chosen at random during the test one could use it to judge their progress without worrying about improvements simply because they’re heard the sentences so many times.
Antonio,
In my experience at least your situation is totally normal. After all, you have a lot more control over what you say than what you hear. When you make sentences yourself you’re going to use words, grammar patterns, etc., that you know. When the native speaker on the other end of the conversation responds, he or she isn’t limited to just the things you know, and so their response might not match your comprehension abilities. I think this continues on for a long time — the more complex the question you can ask, the more complex the answer you can expect to get.
ChinesePod is a good way to practice listening, because while you might not control what is being said, at least you have transcripts available. Movies with subtitles are a good source, too, as you can rewind, pause, figure out the subtitle, relisten, etc., though you’ll have to find a really good movie to endure seeing small parts of it over and over again!
More than anything it’s just practice practice practice (or, maybe, exposure exposure exposure). 加油!
It’s amazing how many tools you have on this site. It’s hard for me to keep up. It’s actually a problem because I feel like I cruise by stuff so fast. I have to figure out a system.
Ron
The test flowed really well. Easier to take than the first round.
I scored intermediate low on two tries which seems about right for me. (finishing up a third semester uni class next month)
wrt listening comprenhension, part is knowing the words and part is listening carefully to something at or just above your level until you can understand. I’ve started listening to the dialog (with a remix of the podcast, everything except dialog is cut out) and using the transcripts to know what to listen for. This may not be for everyone, but works for me.
Congretualations to the team!
Impressive, and impressive progress compared to the alpha-version. Load time is now virtually zero, and I noticed lots of subtle enhancements as well (e.g. the “press two times”-issue).
I also understood all sentences - most of them still being those old friends from the podcasts (;