I used to avoid extra options on Duolingo. I would stick to racing through the learning exercises. Then I realised I could read but not speak. I have made two changes.
1 In the guide section, I click on the microphone symbol and repeat the word aloud after I hear it. I do this three times, until I can say it without hesitating nor stammering.
2 I do the practise speaking exercise.
3 I read the news in Spanish. So I am learning up to date jargon. Also I read articles of interest to me and don't get bored.
I am learning Spanish. The written and spoken Spanish on Duolingo is for the majority of their learners, on the American continent, not Spain in Europe. I am in Europe and planning a holiday next year to Tenerife.
Listening Skills For Spanish
I shall want to understand announcements at the airport.
I shall want to hear if the people ahead of me in a queue (Americans say line) are saying hello, goodbye, , so I am ready to move forwards, and if the airline staff are saying no seats, no tickets, security or taxis on the right, whatever.
On holiday I shall want to understand the radio. I might listen to the radio played by the taxi driver. I might also be tuning in when we are driving ourselves on a fly-drive holiday.
However, the South American or Mexican Spanish is still useful to me.
1 I use it for reading online.
2 I shall use it for reading street signs.
3 At least half a sentence understood is better than nothing.
4 At my Toastmasters meeting there are two Spanish speakers. One is from Europe, Spain, and the other is from Venezuela.
Useful Websites For Learning Spanish
https://www.newsinslowspanish.com
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