- Posted by admin in English language, Speaking learning |
- May 6th, 2010 |
Can you speak English comfortably, but still have some problems with English grammar? Maybe you “picked up” English from movies and songs or while living abroad and never had time to focus on correct grammar. The good news is that if you want to learn English grammar, there’s a lot you can do to teach yourself
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Step 1
Make a plan. Try to get an overview of English grammar from a text book or online resource. Note the grammar points you need to work on and plan to work on each for at least a few day.
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Step 2
Identify common mistakes. People who speak the same language often make the same mistakes in English grammar. For example, many Russian speakers have trouble using “a” and “the” in English. Find out what grammar points are often difficult for speakers of your native language. Pay extra attention to learning those grammar points.
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Step 3
Find some grammar exercises. To learn English grammar well, you’ll need to practice each grammar point until you can use it easily. Look for a book of grammar exercises that also has answers. Online activities and quizzes can also help. Focus on just one grammar point each time you study.
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Step 4
Pay close attention to grammar when you read English. When you’re trying to learn correct English grammar, it’s not enough to understand general idea of what you read. You’ll need to understand exactly why each sentence is written that way. When you read a sentence, ask yourself if can make similar sentences. If you can’t or you’re not sure, find text book exercises for those grammar points and practice.
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Step 5
Translate from your native language into English. When you write or speak your own thoughts, it’s easy to avoid complicated grammar. When you translate, you have to work with whatever is on the page, even if the grammar is difficult. Start translating simple things like advertisments and then move to newpapers and magazine articles. Translating dialog in plays is another good way to practice.
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Step 6
Ask native speakers for advice. If you know any native English speakers, ask if they could check some of your writing now and then. If there are no native English speakers near you, look online for language learning forums or language exchange sites. Just remember if the native speaker is not a teacher, he or she may not be able to explain grammar rules.
- Posted by admin in English language, Speaking learning, children |
- April 21st, 2010 |
High school kids have lots of things on their minds. But all too often it isn’t their English class. Although some teens enjoy language study, others prefer science and math. Only occasionally does a student appreciate both equally.
If your son or daughter is struggling with a high school literature, grammar, composition, or journalism class, there may be something you can do to help. As a parent, you don’t want to get overly involved with your children’s schoolwork, but you can cheer them on from the sidelines in marginal but meaningful ways. Here are a few tips.
1. Communicate with your child. Discuss and listen as she describes her version of the problem. Does she not like English? Are there competing priorities? Can she not understand the concepts or principles? Perhaps there are more global issues, such as social life, work schedule, or health issues. Help her identify the source of uncertainties about language arts.
2. Check assignments. Read guidelines and a course syllabus (scheduled) if one is available. See if you can understand what students are expected to do. Could you do it, if asked? Is your daughter able to perform as expected? Do materials make sense? Has she learned the necessary problem-solving skills that will be needed for mastering these concepts?
3. Provide learning support. In addition to general parenting provisions like good nutrition, adequate sleep, and physical exercise, make sure your child has a quiet place and a fixed time to study. Check her physical condition to be sure she is healthy and not struggling with a thyroid disorder or eating problem. (This may be a good time to see her doctor about an examination.) Remain calm when she does not complete assignments correctly until you know why.
4. Browse English resources. Software programs, Web sites, and books offer fun, challenging resources that can help teens learn English effectively. Ask your child’s teacher to recommend titles or do an Internet search for possibilities.
5. Inquire about tutors. If your daughter has a friend who is great at English but poor with math, while your daughter is just the opposite, perhaps the two can exchange help in order to master the concepts where they are weakest. You also can pay a professional tutor to provide one-to-one teaching and learning interaction.
6. Have fun with English. Write a script or story together. Analyze a political speech. Listen to rap music. Explore the ways in which language permeates popular culture today. Helping your child appreciate the living qualities of language in the world in which they live can bring academic study to life and infuse it with new meaning. You may even want to “hire” your child to write reports or compose essays at $1 per page as a practice activity and part-time job (up to a limit, presumably).
English classes aren’t what they used to be. Help your son or daughter master language skills that will serve them throughout life. Neither they nor you will regret the time or money spent.