Issue 291 - How subtitles help us watch and learn

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Basic

Vocabulary: Watching films and series

Look and listen to words with similar meanings.

 

 Can you remember? Choose the correct option.

 

 

How subtitles help us watch and learn

Read the text and listen to the audio. 

How subtitles help us watch and learn

More and more people are using subtitles when they watch films and TV shows. A recent study says that almost half of Americans now prefer watching with subtitles. But why is this?

One reason is that people watch shows in different ways now. Many people watch on their phones when they are not at home. Some places can be noisy, so subtitles help them understand what is happening.

Subtitles are also useful for people who are learning a language. Alex, an English student, says: “I like British crime shows like Black Doves and Department Q, so I started a course to help me understand them better.”

Subtitles can also help you remember words. Laia, another learner, says: “When I see words I already know, it helps me remember them. Sometimes I write down new words and ask my teacher about them.”

Our tutors say subtitles are a great tool. They are not the same as taking a class, but they are a good way to practise outside the classroom.

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Intermediate

 

How subtitles help us watch and learn

Read the text and listen to the audio. Then answer the questions in the Comprehension section. 

How subtitles help us watch and learn

Subtitles have become much more popular in the last few years. According to a recent YouGov survey, nearly half of Americans now like to watch films and TV shows with subtitles turned on. But why are more people using subtitles?

One reason is that the way we watch videos has changed. More people now watch shows while they are out and about and on their phones. In noisy or busy places, subtitles make it easier to follow what is happening, even with the volume turned down. Subtitles are also helpful for people who like to “two-screen” — watching a series while using another device to scroll or send messages.

For people learning a language, subtitles are a useful extra help when watching authentic media. Alex, an English student, said: “I like watching British crime dramas like Black Doves and Department Q. I can understand the main plot, but I decided to do a course to help me understand more details in the dialogue.”

Subtitles also help improve vocabulary. Laia, another learner, said, “Seeing words that I’ve studied before helps me remember them better. Sometimes I write down new words and go over them with my tutor.”

All our tutors agree that subtitles are a great tool and a good way to support your language learning. They don’t replace a course, but they give you more chances to hear and see the language outside class.

Now answer the questions in the Comprehension section.

Comprehension: Check your understanding

Choose the correct option.

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Advanced

 

How subtitles help us watch and learn

Read the text and listen to the audio. Then answer the questions in the Comprehension section. 

How subtitles help us watch and learn

Subtitles have seen a dramatic rise in popularity over the last few years. According to a recent YouGov survey, just shy of half of Americans now prefer to watch films and series with subtitles enabled. But what’s behind this trend?

One factor is the way viewing habits have evolved. People are increasingly watching content on the go, and in noisy or distracting environments, subtitles make it far easier to follow what’s happening on screen, even with the volume turned down. They’re also useful for those who tend to “two-screen” — watching a series while simultaneously scrolling or messaging on another device — as subtitles help them avoid missing key moments in the dialogue.

Many language learners are motivated to start learning a language precisely because they want to understand authentic media more deeply. The desire to enjoy stories in their original form is a powerful driver. Alex, an English student, told us: “I love watching British crime dramas like Black Doves and Department Q. I can understand basic plots, but I decided to do a course to help me really understand the nuances of the dialogue.”

Subtitles can also reinforce vocabulary. Laia, another English learner, explained, “It helps me to see words on the screen that I’ve studied before — I retain them better. Sometimes I write down new expressions I don’t know and go over them with my tutor.”

Ask any of our tutors, and they’ll agree: subtitles are an invaluable tool, and an effective way to enrich your language learning journey. While they can’t replace the guidance of a structured course, they’re a powerful way to get regular exposure to the language outside the classroom.

Now answer the questions in the Comprehension section.

Comprehension: Check your understanding

Choose the correct option.

Interview: listen to more about the topic

Think about your answers to the following questions. Then listen to somebody answering the same questions. Were your answers similar?  

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