How to use the Listening Room
- Learn the key words for the episode (with audio).
- Listen once without the transcript. What did you understand?
- Listen again and read along. The current line lights up.
- Do the quiz, then shadow a few lines and talk about it.
New here? Start with the Beginner episodes and the Slow speed.
Episodes
- 1My daily routineBeginner · about 2 min · Mel and Josh talk about their mornings, work days and evenings, using simple everyday English.
- 2What did you do on the weekend?Beginner · about 2 min · The most common Monday question in Australia. Mel and Josh talk about their weekends and practise the past tense.
- 3An Aussie barbecue: what to expectIntermediate · about 3 min · You've been invited to a barbie. What do you bring, what do you say, and what does 'BYO' mean? Mel and Josh explain.
- 4Your first week at a new jobIntermediate · about 3 min · Introductions, asking questions, smoko and first names: Mel and Josh share what helps in your first week at an Australian workplace.
- 5Renting your first place in AustraliaIntermediate · about 2 min · Inspections, bond, lease and the questions to ask the agent: the language of renting in Australia.
- 6Footy, cricket and sport small talkIntermediate · about 2 min · You don't need to love sport, but knowing a few phrases helps a lot at work and with neighbours.
- 7At the beach: safety and slangBeginner · about 2 min · Swim between the flags, slip slop slap, and the words you'll hear at an Aussie beach.
- 8Making friends in a new cityIntermediate · about 2 min · Moving somewhere new can be lonely. Mel and Josh share practical ways to meet people, and the English to start conversations.
Why listening practice with transcripts works
Listening while you read helps you connect the sounds of English with the words you already know. After a few listens you'll notice how Australians link words together, shorten them and use everyday expressions. Then try How Aussies really talk to practise fast, natural speech, and the Aussie English decoder for what common phrases really mean.
Teachers and conversation groups are welcome to use the printable worksheets in class.
Frequently asked questions
Is this English listening practice free?
Yes. Every episode, transcript, quiz and worksheet is free, with no sign-up. Your progress is saved only on your own device.
What level are the episodes?
Each episode is marked Beginner (about A1–A2) or Intermediate (about B1–B2). Beginners can use the Slow speed and read the transcript while they listen.
Are these real recordings?
The audio is read by your device's built-in voices, so it works offline and costs nothing. Voices differ between devices, and some sound more natural than others. You can choose an Australian voice: see how to change the voice.
How should I use each episode?
Learn the key words first, listen once without the transcript, listen again while reading, do the quiz, then shadow a few lines and answer the speaking question. About 15 minutes.
Can I print the episodes?
Yes. Press 'Print worksheet' on any episode to print or save a PDF with the vocabulary, questions, transcript and answers. It's great for classes and conversation groups.