Tefera, Hiwot2021-03-112023-11-092021-03-112023-11-092006-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/25419This study was meant to find out if there is a gap between the actual listening abilities of ninth grade students and the listening level required of them in understa nding the plasma lesson. Based on th is a null (Ha) and an alternate (Ha) hypothesis were made. The null hypothesis says there is no significant difference between the actual and the expected listening abilities of the students. The (Ha) stresses that the reverse is possible. Then these hypothesis were tested using a ch i-squire (X2) test. The resu lt of the chi-squire (X2) test rejects the (Ha). The main research instrument was the listening ability test. To achieve the stated objectives three different teachers' lessons (Biology, Maths, and Physics) were recorded, transcribed and analyzed to determine the levels and type of language functions used. A modified form of Sinclair and Coulthard's, (1975) system of analysis was adopted for the analysis. This analysis revealed the type of language functions that has to be tested. Then , four types of tests were set. The first three were content based the fourth one was general listening ability test. The tests were used to assess the students abilities in the language functions and th eir strength and weakness in using strategies. To sUbstantiate the collected data , through listening ability tests, unstructured observation was also conducted . This data helps to find out some factors that affect the students listening comprehension. The result showed that the actual listen ing ability of the students was below the level expected of them: The students are weak in : Understandi ng the gist Predicting the coming ideas Identifying specific functions of description, cause and effect, genera lization , comparison and contrast, and purpose. The findings led to the formulation of possible recommendations. It is hoped that the recommendations could possibly help to bridge the gap between the actual and the expected listening abilities of the students.en-USComparisonListening AbilitiesThesis