Archive for the ‘english as a second language’ Category
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21
Dec
2009
English Speaking Skills
Speaking Skills
Out of the four components of language use- reading, writing, speaking and listening- the last two have to be the most important. Being able to communicate verbally is essential whether you are migrating to, travelling, studying, working in an English-speaking country. It is important for asking for directions, shopping, ordering at a restaurant, making and answering phone calls, engaging in a conversation, or giving a business presentation.
Being able to speak in English involves the interaction of multiple elements, from having a useful and extensive enough vocabulary, to being able to construct sentences and use the correct tense, developing appropriate intonation and stress patterns, and pronouncing words properly.
Common problems for students learning English when it comes to joining a conversation include trying to translate from the native language into English instead of using English terms and phrases that the student has learnt, or looking for a specific word rather than using simple language to describe what is meant. Translating not only takes time, it will also make you more hesitant. Another problem is nervousness and lack of confidence, which can be overcome only through practice.
English Speaking Exams
English exams such as the CAE, IELTS and TOEFL will typically include a section that tests a candidate’s English speaking skills. Usually this will include a 10 - 15 minute conversation with an examiner which is recorded then evaluated. The best way to practice for an English speaking exam is to practice when you can, where you can, whether with a native English speaker or not.
Try to relax and speak at a slower pace. By speaking slowly you’ll discover that it is easier to think about what you are saying, find the words that you need and be able to link between words automatically. Finally, use the English that you know. Rather than carrying around a dictionary, use the words and phrases that you have learnt to try and convey your message.
21
Dec
2009
English Listening Skills
Preparing for English Exams
Most English language exams, including the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), will test a candidate’s listening comprehension skills. This could involve listening to CDs or tapes, whether recordings of conversations, songs or radio programs, then answering questions on the content of these recordings. Depending on the exam, the recording may be played several times. Before the recording is played, the candidate should read the questions carefully to determine what exactly they need to know.
The first time the candidate should focus on understanding the general gist of the recording, without taking in details or writing any notes. After the first time, candidates can take quick notes of key words or phrases, listening out specifically for information they are required to give. If you can’t find the answer to one of the questions, don’t get stuck on it but move on to try and answer the rest of the test.
Listening Skills
Listening involves three main steps: hearing, understanding and judging. The first just involves simply being able to perceive the sounds. The next step is to understand the meaning of the sounds, both the individual words and sentences as a whole. The final step is to judge whether what you have heard and understood makes sense in regards to the context, and comprehending the implications.
Listening skills for ESL students can be difficult to acquire, since these skills cannot be taught like English grammar or vocabulary. There are two main things that help improve listening skills. The first is getting over the mental block of trying to translate every word that is heard. The aim is to understand the general meaning, so it is okay not to catch every word. The second thing is to practice listening, but in short periods a couple of times a week. Don’t watch an entire film at first, just listen to different clips a couple of times a week.
26
Oct
2009
Singapore English colleges
Things to do in Singapore
Singapore is both an island and a city-state, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in South East Asia. With a varied heritage, as can be deduced from the 4 official languages- English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil- there is lots to see and do. Although Singapore is well known for its shopping and dining, there is much more to Singapore, such as the Botanic Gardens, with a boardwalk through the rainforest or its collection of orchid species.
Then there is the Ritz-Carlton Singapore, a hotel that features one of Southeast Asia’s finest collections of contemporary artworks. Many commissioned for public spaces, these include artists such as Andy Warhol and David Hockney. It is free to enter and there is an i-Pod guided tour.
Another must see is the Chinatown Heritage Centre, an authentic vision of Singapore’s history with fully recreated scenes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From entire bedroom and kitchen sets, to street scenes. The Asian Civilisations Museum is another place to experience Singaporean culture, as it attempts to give an appreciation of Singapore’s multi-ethnic society.
For a bird’s eye view of Singapore you can visit the 165m high Flyer. One of the world’s largest ferris wheels, it will give you a 30 minute ride for a fee.
GEOS Singapore
The GEOS Corporation was founded in 1973 with the aim of contributing to international communication through teaching English. GEOS actually stands for Global Education Opportunities and Services, and spans across approximately 15 countries.
GEOS Singapore is a government approved college offering English language courses, taught by experienced and highly qualified native teachers. It is conveniently located on the Singapore Shopping Belt along Orcahrd Road, offering plenty of opportunity to experience the city and interact with the people. Courses offered include Seasonal Tour packages, Regular Intensive English, Accelerated English, Active English and more.