Language Testing in Focus: An International Journal

The notion of emotional intelligence (EQ or EI) was provided to complement general intelligence. This study intended to study the influence of emotional intelligence on listening comprehension of junior high school EFL learners from both genders when using culture-based materials. In so doing, a number of 50 Iranian intermediate level EFL learners were selected using the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT). In addition, Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire was employed. The listening test was administered first. Participants were classified into an experimental and a control group. In the experimental group, students were exposed to listening materials such as special expressions, idioms, and conversations. After ten sessions, participants participated in the listening post-test. The results of an independent samples t-test showed that the performance of the participants in the two groups was significantly different. Moreover, one-way ANOVA and post-hoc analysis revealed that gender significantly affects the listening skills of EFL learners with varying degrees of emotional intelligence when using cultural material in listening lessons. The findings of this study can lead language teachers to include materials as listening pieces about cultural entities to improve the listening ability of language learners.