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Academic English

“Language Learning”


Level Topic Speakers Length
Very Difficult Language Learning Man – Man 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, exploring ideas, and sharing opinions.

  • 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?

  • 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.

  • 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.

  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/school” = 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

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 other 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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