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Unit 2 Learning English Is Not Easy ------Some Advice and Suggestions ------Some Advice and Suggestions

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Main Points . Leading In . Leading In . Text A . Text A . Text B . Text B Vocabulary Practice Vocabulary Practice . Practical Writing . Practical Writing

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Leading In Topics for Discussion 1. When did you start learning English? 2. How did you feel when you made mistakes in your English learning? 3. How can you improve your listening skills in English? 4. What do you think of the importance of learning English?

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Reference Material We all know that some students are better at learning a We all know that some students are better at learning a foreign language than others. Why is so? And what makes a good language learner? Here offers some strategies of good language learners. They will help you master some effective ways of learning English. The first is the ability to develop an active learning strategy. In other words, good language learners have the ability to set goals. Secondly, good language learner are able to see the language as a formal system, with its own rules and relationships between forms and meanings The third is to develop a social strategy for learning. This means that good learners know they will make mistakes. However, they will try to talk native speakers of the language and overcome difficulties in their language learning.Eventually, they become fluent in the language.

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The final factor is emotional. All language learners will have emotional problems while they are learning. In spite of this, a good learner will cope effectively, and will cultivate positive attitudes towards themselves, toward language learning in general, and towards the target language, society and culture. The final factor is emotional. All language learners will have emotional problems while they are learning. In spite of this, a good learner will cope effectively, and will cultivate positive attitudes towards themselves, toward language learning in general, and towards the target language, society and culture.

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Text A If you Don t Make Mistakes, You Won t Learn! Isn't it frustrating: it is always the same mistakes that prevent you from getting that better mark in your English tests. How can you unlearn those mistakes? Don't try too much at a time. Instead, concentrate on just one typical mistake. Go through the explanations and exercises in your grammar reference or textbook. When reading English texts, look out for that specific grammar aspect.

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Tips on Learning English Backlog Analysis Unlearn typical English mistakes English Grammar English Gap-filling exercises English Grammar in texts Vocabulary Study English every Day Learn English through Reading Learn English through Films Learn English through Songs Learning Strategies TargetsTargets Motivation is half the workMotivation is half the work Don't overdo it! Treat yourself to something good Study English with friends

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1.Learning a language means learning a skill, not acquiring knowledge. You test your command of a foreign language by your ability to perform in it, not by how much you know about it. Performance refers to your ability to understand, speak, read and write. Knowledge refers mainly to grammar rules and vocabulary. 2. Avoid reading anything that is too difficult for you. Reading should be a pleasure, so the texts should be within your range. 3. If you read enough, you will find that you will acquire a large vocabulary without needing to turn to the dictionary all the time. 4. If you are reading an argument, make notes on the points for and against. You will soon get into the habit of not only reading in English, but thinking in English as well. Thinking in a foreign language is an indispensable requirement of fluency. 5. You should read as widely as you can. 5. You should read as widely as you can. 6.The best way to read an article is to read it. 6.The best way to read an article is to read it. 7.Writing a summary of something you have read is excellent practice. 7.Writing a summary of something you have read is excellent practice.

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8. Remember, there are two kinds of vocabulary: receptive and productive. Receptive vocabulary refers to the words you can recognize and understand but cant necessarily use. Productive vocabulary refers to the words you know and can use with confidence. 9. Its totally pointless learning grammar for its own sake. 10. Sentence structure is the way we show the relationship between ideas and events. 11. The most important thing to do with a dictionary is really to use it, above all when you are reading. Use it till you know your way round it and enjoy what it offers you. 12. Reading a newspaper is the very best thing you can do to improve your English. 13. Have to discount your native language. 14. Listening comprehension is the key to the command of any foreign language. 15. Any communicative or practical use of English is better than study in grammar for its own sake.... Whatever you do, dont study grammar isolation.

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Language points for Text A 1.manage:v. succeed in taking, using, or doing They are not sure whether they can manage to control this situation. They are not sure whether they can manage to control this situation. 2.turn into : change in form or nature His bitter experience has turned him into a stronger person. His bitter experience has turned him into a stronger person. 3.parking lot 4.ask for: make a request for something The workers are asking for another increase in pay. The workers are asking for another increase in pay. 5.teach someone a lesson His failure in the exam has taught him a lesson. His failure in the exam has taught him a lesson. 6.be afraid of 7.dare to do something 8.take a leaf out of someones book : follow others example Father asked his youngest son to take a leaf out of Marys book. Father asked his youngest son to take a leaf out of Marys book.

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Difficult Sentences 1. If you dont make mistakes, you wont learn. It is impossible to learn the language well unless you make mistakes. It is impossible to learn the language well unless you make mistakes. 2. Within four years, though, she has managed to become so fluent in English that she doesnt even have a foreign accent! English that she doesnt even have a foreign accent! After four years of practice, she is now successful in speaking English After four years of practice, she is now successful in speaking English in as easy and smooth a manner as a native English speakers. in as easy and smooth a manner as a native English speakers. 3. She has won many awards, and has written a book about her experiences in learning English. experiences in learning English. She has obtained a lot of prizes and has also written a book about the She has obtained a lot of prizes and has also written a book about the difficulties that she had been through in learning English. difficulties that she had been through in learning English. 4. You think you are the only person feeling embarrassed when making mistakes, he said when we interviewed her. making mistakes, he said when we interviewed her. When we asked her questions in an interview, Kim said, When you When we asked her questions in an interview, Kim said, When you make mistakes, you think only feel very anxious and uncomfortable. make mistakes, you think only feel very anxious and uncomfortable.

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Vocabulary Practice

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Ex. I. Fill in the blanks with the phrases and expressions given below and change the form if necessary. be afraid of as a result last but not least teach sb. a lesson in the end compare with manage to turn into style interview 1 If you ______ his way of learning English ______ yours, you ll find out why you are not good at spoken English. 2.You can ______this small place _________ a beautiful garden. 3.He broke his leg. _________, he couldn t go to the party. 4.Mary, tell me, are you _______ being alone in the dark? 5.Don t worry. Everything will be all right _________. 6.They finally ________ get there in time. 7 I ll never forget the accident. It _____ me ____. 8.________, we must thank him for all his kindness. 9.Don t be late for your ______, or you won t get the job. 10. I like this author s books because her writing _____ is very simple and clear.

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Ex. II. Complete each sentence with the correct form of the word given. 1. She found a good job after she (graduation) ________ from UCLA. 2.She explained the problem in (detailed) ________to the store manager. 3. The doctor (suggestion) _____ that she come another day. 4. We will do our best to help those (unfortunately) )______ people. 5.The (real) _______ is that you can t learn a foreign language well without hard work. 6.Be prepared to listen (careful) _____ because the presenters often speak very quickly. 7. Listening is an (important) ______ part of learning English. 8.Try to make your idea as clear as possible, or people will (understand ) _____ you. 9. As teachers, we need to take (responsible) ________for looking after our students health. 10. They had worked hard to earn more money in order to give their daughter a good (educate)._________

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Text B Famous English Radio Programs VOA: The Voice of America has carried United States, regional, and world news to listeners around the globe for more than 60 years. Historical highlights important dates in VOA's history. BBC: Innovative, progressive and pioneering - the British Broadcasting Corporation has proved a powerful force in the 20th century - providing entertainment, education and information, and captivating millions of viewers and listeners at home and abroad.

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Some Programs of VOA Special English Public Insight Journalism American Mavericks American Radio Works Saint Paul Sunday A Prairie Home Companion Classical Music Initiative Composer Datebook Marketplace Minnesota Orchestra

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Some Programs of BBC Early Breakfast Early Breakfast The Chris Moyles Show The Chris Moyles Show Jason and Lyare Jason and Lyare Through The Night Through The Night World News World News The World Today The World Today

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Tips of Listening Skills 1.Frequent the language lab. Read the exercises in your book first; then listen and read together; then listen without looking at the print. Say aloud/write what you hear. 2.Participate silently in class when others are called on to speak. Focus on the task; don't worry about how you'll do. 3.If you feel nervous, relax yourself physically by taking a couple of slow, deep breaths. When called on, pause, relax, and give yourself time to respond. 4.Listen while a friend dictates to you and write what you hear. Check for accuracy. 5.Practice: join language clubs, watch foreign TV, listen to foreign radio.

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Accept the fact that you are not going to understand everything. Keep cool (idiom=stay relaxed) when you do not understand - even if you continue to not understand for a long time. Do not translate into your native language (synonym=mother tongue) Listen for the gist (noun=general idea) of the conversation. Don't concentrate on detail until you have understood the main ideas.

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Reading Skills 1.First, read the vocabulary list for the assignment. Next, read the questions about the reading. Then read all the way through a new passage two or three times, guessing at meaning from context. Avoid word-by-word translation. It is a waste of time! 2.Isolate new vocabulary and study it separately. DON'T write between the lines! Make flash cards. Carry them with you and recite them several times during the day at odd moments. Over-learn them until they are automatic. 3.Isolate new grammatical forms and study them separately. Write the pattern on a flash card and memorize it. Write out and label a model sentence. When you encounter the form while reading, pause and recite the pattern to recognize the form.

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Writing Skills 1.Pay attention to detail: notice accents, order of letters, etc. Compare letter-by- letter different forms (singular, plural, gender, etc.). Write out conjugations of verbs, declensions of pro-nouns, etc., and check your endings. Memorize irregular verbs. 2.To master spelling, have a friend dictate 10 words to you. Write them out and immediately have your friend spell them correctly aloud while you look carefully and point at each letter. Repeat until you get all the words right. 3.Write (in your own simple foreign vocabulary words) a story you have just read.

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Speaking Skills 1.Study out loud! Mimic the sounds of the language. Don't mumble. Although most people feel embarrassed making strange sounds, the language will soon feel more familiar to you. 2.When called on in class, say something, even it it's wrong: you'll learn from it. If you need a moment to think, repeat the question. If you don't know the answer, say in your foreign language, "I don't know" or "help!" 3.Practice with a foreign student who wants your help to learn English or with another class member.

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Language Points for Text B 1.however adv. (1). In spite of this; nevertheless , Its raining hard. However, we still have to go. Its raining hard. However, we still have to go. (2) to whatever degree (2) to whatever degree I must complete the task, however difficult it is. I must complete the task, however difficult it is. 2.call for: need or deserve This trouble calls for quick action by the government. This trouble calls for quick action by the government. 3.as a result: the result is. Tom walked in the rain for an hour. As a result, he was totally wet. Tom walked in the rain for an hour. As a result, he was totally wet. 4.last but not least: important, although coming at the end Lat nut not least, take good care of your teeth! Lat nut not least, take good care of your teeth! 5.in one go: in a single attempt My manager always wants to solve everything in one go. My manager always wants to solve everything in one go. 6.information: knowledge in the form of facts, news, etc. With new information, they soon discovered the truth. With new information, they soon discovered the truth.

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7. natural: adj. belong to someone from birth; not learned; innate or having a skill or quality. adj. belong to someone from birth; not learned; innate or having a skill or quality. He is a natural musician. He is a natural musician. adj. or being what exists, or happens ordinarily in the world. adj. or being what exists, or happens ordinarily in the world. His voice didnt sound all that natural. He sounds very angry when I spoke to him on phone. His voice didnt sound all that natural. He sounds very angry when I spoke to him on phone. 8. expect: v. think or believe v. think or believe The teacher expected that most of his students would fail the exam. The teacher expected that most of his students would fail the exam. v. think or consider that is likely to come or happen v. think or consider that is likely to come or happen I am expecting a package from my relative in America. It is my birthday present. I am expecting a package from my relative in America. It is my birthday present. 9. detailed: characterized by abundant use or thoroughness of treatment The students handed in a detailed report of the experiment. The students handed in a detailed report of the experiment.

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. Practical Writing

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Format of Business Card Academic and medical degree abbreviations should follow names. To maintain a consistent appearance and to make maximum use of space, periods are not used in abbreviations after names. Include only the highest degree awarded (5) The second line is optional and lists the official name of a unit or division within the unit on the first line. The correct physical address for each unit is supplied by the UAB Print Plant and must follow this format: Room Number and Building Name Street Number and Street Name Phone Number (in format 205.934.1234) Fax Number (designated by "Fax:") Directly to the right of the address bar is space for optional e-mail and Web addresses. The mailing address follows U.S. Postal Service guidelines (for details, see addresses in the writing style standards section of this guide), which require uppercase letters and no punctuation. The UAB campus has been assigned three mailing addresses, and the UAB Print Plant will determine yours when you order business cards. addresses

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Assignment Read this article and then make a summary for improving your learning skills. Learning another language is not easy, but most people can learn a second language IF they are willing to put in the necessary time. Here are some practical suggestions for studying effectively, overcoming anxiety, and learning the grammar and skills necessary for success in foreign language classes. 1.STUDY EVERY DAY! A foreign language course is different from any other course you take. Language learning is cumulative: you cannot put it off until the weekend. Study 1 or 2 hours for every class hour if you want an A or B.

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2. DISTRIBUTE YOUR STUDY TIME in 15- to 30-minute periods throughout the day. Focus on a different task each time: vocabulary now, grammar next, etc. Get an overview during the first half hour: spend 10 minutes reviewing dialog, 10 minutes learning new vocabulary, 10 minutes learning new grammarso you'll at least have looked at it all. Approximately 80% of your study time should be spent in recitation or practice, including practice in the Language lab. 3. ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE IN EVERY CLASS--even if you are not well prepared. Class time is your best opportunity to practice. Learn the grammar and vocabulary outside of class in order to make the most of class time. Spend a few minutes "warming up" before each class by speaking or reading language. 4. MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE IN THE CLASSROOM. Get to know your classmates, so you will feel you are among friends. Visit your instructor during office hours to get acquainted: explain your goals and fears about the course to your instructor.

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5. LEARN GRAMMAR IF YOU DON'T ALREADY KNOW IT. Grammar is the skeleton of a language, its basic structure: you must learn it. Review a simplified English grammar text. Compare new grammatical structures in your foreign language to their English equivalents. 6. PRACTICE FOR TESTS by doing what you will have to do on the test. If the test will require you to write, then study by writing--including spelling and accents. If you will be asked to listen, then practice listening. Ask for practice questions; make up your own test questions. Invent variations on patterns and forms. Over-learn: study beyond the point of recognition to mastery. 7. DEVELOP A GOOD ATTITUDE. Have a clear personal reason for taking the class. Set personal goals for what you want to learn. Leave perfectionism at the door; give yourself permission to make mistakes and learn from them. 8. GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT. Talk with your teacher. Form study groups among class members. Use tutoring services. Don't wait!