English Addicts is originally based on the works by Michel Perrin from the University of Bordeaux II. He compares the way a language is being learnt to the way a child can learn how to speak: when learning a language, listening comes before speaking.
To become proficient in a language, thousands of listening hours are required which is very much difficult either at school or college. However, the repetitive aspect of such a training is unavoidable. But to make it more interesting, Mr. Perrin suggested that the use of news items on a daily basis could foster linguistic improvements.
This is what has been developed through the implementation of English Addicts. Indeed, every day, and each time based on a different theme, an audio news item related to current events is being offered by experienced native teachers. The prime objective is to entice people to become "active" while listening.
English Addicts is one of the best ways of improving listening (and vocabulary) skills I've seen in a while. If I were an English learner, I would sign up for a free account right away and check out the new lesson every Friday.
