Traditional listening tasks are often the most underwhelming part of the lesson. But listening—real listening—is a complex, dynamic skill that deserves more than that. And now, thanks to artificial intelligence (used wisely), it’s easy to do better.
In fact, with just a few prompts and a clear purpose, you can generate custom-made audio content that actually serves your teaching goals, fits your learners’ level, and adds value to your programming. Not to mention it’s a real time-saver when it comes to developing your teaching units for the civil service exam.
AI tools (like voice generators, speech-to-text engines or script builders) allow you to:
- Design recordings around specific topics, with targeted vocabulary and grammar structures
- Control the tone, accent and style of the audio
- Create short, purposeful clips without spending hours searching for “the perfect YouTube video” or recording it yourself
But here’s the key: the magic doesn’t lie in the technology—it lies in how you use it. The value of a listening task still depends on what it’s for, how it fits your unit, and how well it connects to your learners’ needs.
Now, the point is, how do we generate our own audio content?
1. Write (or generate) your script
You can draft your own short dialogue or monologue, or use an AI tool like ChatGPT to help you generate it. Just give it a prompt like:
“Write a 1-minute dialogue between two friends planning a weekend trip. Use A2-level English and include at least 3 examples of ‘going to’ and the words ‘parachuting’, ‘diving’ and ‘seashore’”.
Here’s the result:
Alex: Hey, Sara! What are you going to do this weekend?
Sara: Hi, Alex! I’m going to the seashore with my cousin. Do you want to come?
Alex: Yes, sure! That sounds great. Are we going to swim?
Sara: Yes! And I think we’re going to try something new… maybe diving or even parachuting!
Alex: Parachuting? Wow! I’m not sure… but diving sounds fun.
Sara: Don’t worry, we can choose together. Let’s bring snacks and music too.
Alex: Good idea. I’m going to pack my camera. I want to take lots of photos.
Sara: Perfect! Let’s meet on Saturday morning.
Alex: Can’t wait!
2. Turn text into audio
Paste your script into a text-to-speech tool and choose the voice, accent, speed and emotion you want. My favourite ones are https://www.naturalreaders.com/online/ and
You can tailor both the accent and the pace. Some platforms even allow emotional tone adjustments: friendly, formal, sarcastic… Ideal for teaching intonation or promoting the Reading Plan.
3. Edit and export (if necessary)
You can edit your audio clips with tools like Audacity https://www.audacityteam.org or even simple online editors like AudioMass https://audiomass.co.
Export it as an MP3 or upload it to your drive, class blog, or virtual classroom.
And, finally, how to include this in your programming?
In your didactic units for the civil service exam, this approach can make your listening sections stand out—but you must justify your choices:
- Show that you opted for a tailor-made audio to respond to your learners’ context
- Detail how you created it
- Specify the CEFR level, subskills (e.g. global comprehension, extracting specific information, and recognising tone of voice (politeness strategies) and communicative goals it addresses (e.g. to understand basic travel information, following directions to a destination, identifying transport preferences or comprehending simple travel arrangements).
- Include your task design, and your assessment method (rubric, checklist, etc.)
And yes—mention digital competence and learner motivation. You’re not just using tech for fun. You’re modelling 21st-century teaching practice.