Unit 2Unit 2Learning English Is Not EasyLearning English Is Not Easy

------Some Advice and ------Some Advice and SuggestionsSuggestions

Main PointsMain Points

ⅠⅠ. . Leading InLeading In

ⅡⅡ. . Text AText A

ⅢⅢ. . Text BText B

●●Vocabulary PracticeVocabulary Practice

ⅣⅣ. . Practical WritingPractical Writing

Leading InLeading In

Topics for DiscussionTopics for Discussion 1. When did you start learning English?1. When did you start learning English? 2. How did you feel when you made 2. How did you feel when you made

mistakes in your English learning?mistakes in your English learning? 3. How can you improve your listening 3. How can you improve your listening

skills in English?skills in English? 4. What do you think of the importance of 4. What do you think of the importance of

learning English?learning English?

Reference MaterialReference Material We all know that some students are better at learning aWe all know that some students are better at learning aforeign language than others. Why is so? And what makesforeign language than others. Why is so? And what makesa good language learner? Here offers some strategies ofa good language learner? Here offers some strategies ofgood language learners. They will help you master somegood language learners. They will help you master someeffective ways of learning English.effective ways of learning English.The first is the ability to develop an active learning strategy. In otherThe first is the ability to develop an active learning strategy. In otherwords, good language learners have the ability to set goals.words, good language learners have the ability to set goals.Secondly, good language learner are able to see the language as a formalSecondly, good language learner are able to see the language as a formalsystem, with its own rules and relationships between forms and meaningssystem, with its own rules and relationships between forms and meaningsThe third is to develop a social strategy for learning. This means thatThe third is to develop a social strategy for learning. This means thatgood learners know they will make mistakes. However, they will try togood learners know they will make mistakes. However, they will try totalk native speakers of the language and overcome difficulties in theirtalk native speakers of the language and overcome difficulties in theirlanguage learning.Eventually, they become fluent in the language.language learning.Eventually, they become fluent in the language.

The final factor is eThe final factor is emotional. All language motional. All language learners will have emotlearners will have emotional problems while thional problems while they are learning. In spite ey are learning. In spite of this, a good learner of this, a good learner will cope effectively, anwill cope effectively, and will cultivate positive d will cultivate positive attitudes towards themattitudes towards themselves, toward languagselves, toward language learning in general, ae learning in general, and towards the target lnd towards the target language, society and canguage, society and culture.ulture.

Text A If you Don’t Make Text A If you Don’t Make Mistakes, You Won’t Learn!Mistakes, You Won’t Learn!

Isn't it frustrating: it is always Isn't it frustrating: it is always the same mistakes that the same mistakes that prevent you from getting that prevent you from getting that better mark in your English better mark in your English tests. How can you unlearn tests. How can you unlearn those mistakes?those mistakes?

Don't try too much at a time. Don't try too much at a time. Instead, concentrate on just Instead, concentrate on just one typical mistake. Go one typical mistake. Go through the explanations and through the explanations and exercises in your grammar exercises in your grammar reference or textbook. When reference or textbook. When reading English texts, look reading English texts, look out for that specific grammar out for that specific grammar aspect.aspect.

Tips on Learning English Backlog Analysis Unlearn typical English mistakes English GrammarEnglish 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 Targets Motivation is half the work Don't overdo it! Treat yourself to something good Study English with friends

1.Learning a language means learning a skill, not acquiring 1.Learning a language means learning a skill, not acquiring knowledge. You test your command of a foreign language by knowledge. You test your command of a foreign language by your ability to perform in it, not by how much you know about it. your ability to perform in it, not by how much you know about it. Performance refers to your ability to understand, speak, read and Performance refers to your ability to understand, speak, read and write. Knowledge refers mainly to grammar rules and vocabulary.write. Knowledge refers mainly to grammar rules and vocabulary.

2.2. A Avoid reading anything that is too difficult for you. Reading should void reading anything that is too difficult for you. Reading should be a pleasure, so the texts should be within your range.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 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.vocabulary without needing to turn to the dictionary all the time.

4. If you are reading an argument, make notes on the points “for” 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 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 in English, but thinking in English as well. Thinking in a foreign language is an indispensable requirement of fluency.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 7.Writing a summary of something you have read is excellent

practice.practice.

8. Remember, there are two kinds of vocabulary: receptive and productive. Receptive vocabulary refers to the words you can recognize and understand but can’t necessarily use. Productive vocabulary refers to the words you know and can use with confidence.9. It‘s 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, don’t study grammar isolation.

Language points for Language points for Text AText A11.manage.manage::v.v. succeed in taking , using, or doing 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.

22.turn into.turn into : change in form or nature : change in form or nature 变成变成 His bitter experience has turned him into a stronger person. His bitter experience has turned him into a stronger person.

3.3.parking lotparking lot 停车场停车场4.4.ask forask for: make a request for something : make a request for something 请求请求 The workers are asking for another increase in pay.The workers are asking for another increase in pay.

5.5.teach someone a lessonteach someone a lesson 给某人教训给某人教训 His failure in the exam has taught him a lesson.His failure in the exam has taught him a lesson.

6.6.be afraid ofbe afraid of 害怕做某事害怕做某事7.7.dare to do somethingdare to do something 胆敢做某事胆敢做某事8.8.take a leaf out of someone’s booktake a leaf out of someone’s book : follow other’s example : follow other’s example 学习某学习某

人人 Father asked his youngest son to take a leaf out of Mary’s book .Father asked his youngest son to take a leaf out of Mary’s book .

★ ★ Difficult SentencesDifficult Sentences

1. If you don’t make mistakes, you won’t learn.1. If you don’t make mistakes, you won’t 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 i2. Within four years, though, she has managed to become so fluent inn

English that she doesn’t even have a foreign accent!English that she doesn’t even have a foreign accent!

After four years of practice, she is now successful in speaking EnglishAfter 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. 3. She has won many awards, and has written a book about herShe 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 theShe 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.

44.” You think you are the only person feeling embarrassed when.” 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 youWhen 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.

Vocabulary Practice

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.

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)._________

Text BText BFamous English Radio Famous English Radio ProgramsProgramsVOA: The Voice of America has carried United States, VOA: The Voice of America has carried United States,

regional, and world news to listeners around the regional, and world news to listeners around the globe for more than 60 years. Historical highlights iglobe for more than 60 years. Historical highlights important dates in VOA's history. mportant dates in VOA's history.

BBC: Innovative, progressive and pioneering - the BritBBC: Innovative, progressive and pioneering - the British Broadcasting Corporation has proved a powerful ish Broadcasting Corporation has proved a powerful force in the 20th century - providing entertainment, force in the 20th century - providing entertainment, education and information, and captivating millions education and information, and captivating millions of viewers and listeners at home and abroad.of viewers and listeners at home and abroad.

Some Programs of VOASome Programs of VOA Special EnglishSpecial English Public Insight JournalismPublic Insight Journalism American MavericksAmerican Mavericks American Radio WorksAmerican Radio Works Saint Paul SundaySaint Paul Sunday A Prairie Home CompanionA Prairie Home Companion Classical Music InitiativeClassical Music Initiative Composer DatebookComposer Datebook MarketplaceMarketplace Minnesota OrchestraMinnesota Orchestra

Some Programs of BBCSome Programs of BBC

Early BreakfastEarly Breakfast

The Chris Moyles ShowThe Chris Moyles Show

Jason and LyareJason and Lyare

Through The NightThrough The Night

World NewsWorld News

The World TodayThe World Today

Tips of Listening SkillsTips of Listening Skills1.1. Frequent the language lab. Read the Frequent the language lab. Read the

exercises in your book first; then listen and exercises in your book first; then listen and read together; then listen without looking read together; then listen without looking at the print. Say aloud/write what you hear. at the print. Say aloud/write what you hear.

2.2. Participate silently in class when others Participate silently in class when others are called on to speak. Focus on the task; are called on to speak. Focus on the task; don't worry about how you'll do. don't worry about how you'll do.

3.3. If you feel nervous, relax yourself If you feel nervous, relax yourself physically by taking a couple of slow, deep physically by taking a couple of slow, deep breaths. When called on, pause, relax, breaths. When called on, pause, relax, and give yourself time to respond. and give yourself time to respond.

4.4. Listen while a friend dictates to you and Listen while a friend dictates to you and write what you hear. Check for accuracy. write what you hear. Check for accuracy.

5.5. Practice: join language clubs, watch Practice: join language clubs, watch foreign TV, listen to foreign radio. foreign TV, listen to foreign radio.

Accept the fact that you are Accept the fact that you are not not going to understand everything. going to understand everything.

Keep cool (idiom=stay relaxed) Keep cool (idiom=stay relaxed) when you do not understand - when you do not understand - even if you continue to not even if you continue to not understand for a long time. understand for a long time.

Do Do not not translate into your native translate into your native language (synonym=mother language (synonym=mother tongue) tongue)

Listen for the gist Listen for the gist (noun=general idea) of the (noun=general idea) of the conversation. Don't concentrate conversation. Don't concentrate on detail until you have on detail until you have understood the main ideas. understood the main ideas.

Reading SkillsReading Skills1.1. First, read the vocabulary list for the First, read the vocabulary list for the

assignment. Next, read the questions about the assignment. Next, read the questions about the reading. Then read all the way through a new reading. Then read all the way through a new passage two or three times, guessing at passage two or three times, guessing at meaning from context. Avoid word-by-word meaning from context. Avoid word-by-word translation. It is a waste of time! translation. It is a waste of time!

2.2. Isolate new vocabulary and study it separately. Isolate new vocabulary and study it separately. DON'T write between the lines! Make flash DON'T write between the lines! Make flash cards. Carry them with you and recite them cards. Carry them with you and recite them several times during the day at odd moments. several times during the day at odd moments. Over-learn them until they are automatic. Over-learn them until they are automatic.

3.3. Isolate new grammatical forms and study them Isolate new grammatical forms and study them separately. Write the pattern on a flash card separately. Write the pattern on a flash card and memorize it. Write out and label a model and memorize it. Write out and label a model sentence. When you encounter the form while sentence. When you encounter the form while reading, pause and recite the pattern to reading, pause and recite the pattern to recognize the form. recognize the form.

Writing SkillsWriting Skills1.1. Pay attention to detail: notice accents, Pay attention to detail: notice accents,

order of letters, etc. Compare letter-by-order of letters, etc. Compare letter-by-letter different forms (singular, plural, letter different forms (singular, plural, gender, etc.). Write out conjugations of gender, etc.). Write out conjugations of verbs, declensions of pro-nouns, etc., verbs, declensions of pro-nouns, etc., and check your endings. Memorize and check your endings. Memorize irregular verbs. irregular verbs.

2.2. To master spelling, have a friend dictate To master spelling, have a friend dictate 10 words to you. Write them out and 10 words to you. Write them out and immediately have your friend spell them immediately have your friend spell them correctly aloud while you look carefully correctly aloud while you look carefully and point at each letter. Repeat until you and point at each letter. Repeat until you get all the words right. get all the words right.

3.3. Write (in your own simple foreign Write (in your own simple foreign vocabulary words) a story you have just vocabulary words) a story you have just read. read.

Speaking SkillsSpeaking Skills1.1. Study out loud! Mimic the sounds of Study out loud! Mimic the sounds of

the language. Don't mumble. the language. Don't mumble. Although most people feel Although most people feel embarrassed making strange embarrassed making strange sounds, the language will soon feel sounds, the language will soon feel more familiar to you. more familiar to you.

2.2. When called on in class, say When called on in class, say something, even it it's wrong: you'll something, even it it's wrong: you'll learn from it. If you need a moment learn from it. If you need a moment to think, repeat the question. If you to think, repeat the question. If you don't know the answer, say in your don't know the answer, say in your foreign language, "I don't know" or foreign language, "I don't know" or "help!" "help!"

3.3. Practice with a foreign student who Practice with a foreign student who wants your help to learn English or wants your help to learn English or with another class member. with another class member.

Language Points for Text BLanguage Points for Text B11.however.however adv. (1). In spite of this; nevertheless adv. (1). In spite of this; nevertheless 然而然而 ,, 不过不过 It’s raining hard. However, we still have to go.It’s raining hard. However, we still have to go.

(2) to whatever degree (2) to whatever degree 不管到什么程度不管到什么程度 I must complete the task, however difficult it is.I must complete the task, however difficult it is.

22.call for:.call for: need or deserve need or deserve

This trouble calls for quick action by the government.This trouble calls for quick action by the government.

3.3.as a resultas a result: the result is….: 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.

4.4.last but not leastlast but not least: important, although coming at the end: 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!

5.5.in one go:in one go: in a single attempt in a single attempt

My manager always wants to solve everything in one go.My manager always wants to solve everything in one go.

66.information.information: knowledge in the form of facts, news, etc.: knowledge in the form of facts, news, etc.

With new information, they soon discovered the truth.With new information, they soon discovered the truth.

7. 7. natural:natural:

adj. belong to someone from birth; not learned; innate or having a adj. belong to someone from birth; not learned; innate or having a skill or quality.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 didn’t sound all that natural. He sounds very angry when His voice didn’t sound all that natural. He sounds very angry when I spoke to him on phone.I spoke to him on phone.

8. 8. expect:expect:

v. think or believe v. think or believe

The teacher expected that most of his students would fail the The teacher expected that most of his students would fail the exam.exam.

v. think or consider that is likely to come or happenv. think or consider that is likely to come or happen

I am expecting a package from my relative in America. It is my I am expecting a package from my relative in America. It is my birthday present.birthday present.

9. 9. detailed:detailed: characterized by abundant use or thoroughness of characterized by abundant use or thoroughness of treatmenttreatment

The students handed in a detailed report of the experiment.The students handed in a detailed report of the experiment.

ⅣⅣ. Practical . Practical WritingWriting

ⅣⅣ. Practical . Practical WritingWriting

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.

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.

2. DISTRIBUTE YOUR STUDY TIME in 15- to 30-minute periodsthroughout the day. Focus on a different task each time:vocabulary now, grammar next, etc. Get an overview during thefirst half hour: spend 10 minutes reviewing dialog, 10 minuteslearning new vocabulary, 10 minutes learning new grammar…soyou'll at least have looked at it all. Approximately 80% of yourstudy time should be spent in recitation or practice, includingpractice in the Language lab. 3. ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE IN EVERY CLASS--even if youare not well prepared. Class time is your best opportunity topractice. Learn the grammar and vocabulary outside of class inorder 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 amongfriends. Visit your instructor during office hours to get acquainted:explain your goals and fears about the course to your instructor.

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!