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Academic English

“Language Learning”

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Level: Topic: Speakers: Length:
difficult language learning two men 03:08

Pre-Listening Exercise

Discuss with a partner three ways to learn a foreign language and then explain which one has helped you personally the most.

Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!

These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.

  • In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.

  • In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?

  • For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.

  1. Children learn new languages faster than adults.
  2. You must live in a country to really learn its language.
  3. Watching movies is one of the best ways to improve your language skills.
  4. It’s okay to make lots of mistakes when learning a new language.
  5. Grammar is more important than vocabulary.
  6. Speaking is the hardest part of learning a language.
  7. Language learning apps can replace traditional classes.
  8. Some people are just not good at learning languages.
  9. Learning a language helps you understand a new culture.
  10. You need to study every day to make real progress.

Idioms

“ditch class” = not to go to school when you should attend
“It is impossible to pass the class if you ditch school all the time.”

“learn the hard way” = to learn about something through your mistakes and sometimes negative experiences
“He learned the hard way that you shouldn’t ask certain questions in that culture.”

Listening Exercise

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

Post-Listening Exercise

Share your opinions with other students on your experiences of learning a language. Ask others students and teachers these questions. Report your findings to the class:

  • the best way to learn different languages skills in a foreign language including listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, and cultural understanding
  • your experiences learning English in a foreign country
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