occupies a big chunk of the time we spend communicating in the language. Think about the times you spend listening to others speak or listening to songs, news, lectures, YouTube, etc. Recent advances in technology have served to raise the profile of the listening skill in language teaching.
provides input that can be very significant for second language acquisition in general and for the development of the speaking skill in particular.
promotes non-linear processing of language and encourages learners to develop "holistic" strategies to texts.