English, baby!

Practicing your English

Date: Feb 22 2002

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Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

feel comfortable

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

Hey gang!
The very best way to learn English is to PRACTICE!!!!!! Sometimes it can be difficult to find a friend to practice with, especially when you don’t live in an English speaking country.
In this lesson, John gives Chad some advice for a friend who wants to practice his English.
John has some great suggestions for you! They may help you get to know a new friend!

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Chad

John

Chad: I have this friend from Japan who wanted to know how to feel comfortable asking questions to an American. Do you have any pointers?

John: Yeah, when I lived there, I got approached many times by Japanese kids who were trying to learn English. I think the best way to do it is to be very friendly, and ask a lot of questions and try to get that English speaker to be your friend.

Chad: How do you know how much to ask or should you talk about yourself first or how do you just gage if the persons interested in talking to you?

John: I think asking questions about that person, the English speaker, will open them up. It’ll show them that you care about them. Questions like where are you from? Why are you here in this country? For work or for study? Things like that. Then they’ll feel like you genuinely want to be their friend.

Chad: That’s great advice. I’ll let my friend know. Thanks man.

Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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Discussion

John has some helpful advice for Chad’s friend. He says the best way to practice English with someone is to ask them questions about themselves, so that they know you care about them!
If your new friend answers your questions in your language, continue speaking to him or her in English. Chances are, he or she may want to practice their language skills too. By speaking your non-native languages to each other, you will both improve!
Good luck making new friends to practice with! Come to the Life Goes On message board to tell us about your experiences!
Your Friend,
Tanis