Another thing I think learners struggle with are verbs. When

listening, I think people stop and try to figure out the word they don't know and how it relates to the main topic of the sentence. When doing listening/reading exams this will only stop you, so if you do not know that word, keep listening/ reading so you still may catch the main point.

for example, a sentence from the Game of Thrones book;

"sweat trickled icily down Jon's chest as he pressed the attack."

key words that will help you are Jon (the subject) sweat and attack (the actions). The other words let the reader know the specific details. You still can gather the main idea from these few words; that JON is SWEATING from ATTACKING.
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let's make english easier~☆