1 Learning English at a University

In this chapter, you will learn about:

• Tips and strategies for learning English in a university setting
• Tips and strategies for improving listening and speaking skills in English
• How to identify syllables in English words

Learning a language is like running in a race. There is a lot of warm-up and a lot of practice before you can do well. However, if you try hard, you can win.

Discussion Questions

1. Read the sentences above. How is learning a language similar to running a race? What are some similarities between the two activities? What are some differences?
2. When a person runs a race, they need to warm up their muscles before they start. Is learning a new language similar? How can you warm up before speaking in a second language

Learning English at a University

Maybe you have studied at a university before, but learning a new language is a special goal that needs a special set of tools in order to succeed.

This chapter will discuss three sets of learning tips to help you get on a great start to learning English.

• General learning tips for university classes
• Tips for improving speaking and listening skills
• Tips for learning vocabulary in a second language

General Learning Tips for English Learners

Follow the learning tips below to improve your language learning.

Remember that learning must happen in the class with your teacher and classmates but also outside of class in your own time. Use English as much as possible.

In-class

Outside of class

Tips for Improving Speaking and Listening Skills

Improving your speaking and listening skills in English requires a lot of time and effort. However, with knowledge and use of some learning strategies, your English abilities will grow quickly.

Speaking and listening are skills that are closely connected. Improving one of them will help you improve the other. Remember this as you study English. Also, remember that improving your reading, grammar and writing skills in English will also help you improve your speaking and listening. Try to use and practice all part of the English language together.

Speaking

• Speak in English as often as possible, not only in class
• Find good English speakers to practice with
• Use grammar rules in your speaking
• Listen to pronunciation of words then repeat
• Practice using correct stress, intonation and rhythm of English
• Spend at least 30-60 minutes every day of the week speaking in English.

Listening

• Listen in English as often as possible, not only in class
• Listen to activities that you can read at the same time
• Listen to something 3 or 4 times
• Listen and write what you hear
• Listen actively: write down what you understand and what you don’t
• Spend at least 30-60 minutes every day of the week listening to English

Listening Practice

Part 1:

After reading about learning strategies on the pages before, listen to the story below about Kaori, a Japanese student who has moved to the United States to study English.

As you listen, try to hear the answers to the questions below. Take some notes by the questions. After you listen, discuss your answers to the questions with your partner.

Chapter 1 Activity 1

Discussion Questions:

1. Why does Kaori feel shy to speak in her English class?
2. Why isn’t Kaori’s English improving?
3. What can she do to change her feelings?
4. Do you understand how Kaori feels? Why or why not?

Part 2:

Now listen to another story about Kaori. Has she changed anything about her learning habits? Is she feeling more successful? Listen and answer the questions below.

Chapter 1 Activity 2

Discussion Questions:

1. What are 2 of the changes Kaori made at school?
2. Why does she feel better now?
3. What is the main idea of these two stories?

Learning Tips for Vocabulary Words

In order to successfully learn vocabulary, you will need to understand and use the new word a lot. Using the same strategy each time you learn a new word will help you remember new vocabulary. Follow the steps below while you are learning English and your vocabulary will increase quickly.

Chapter 1 Vocabulary

 Part 1:

Directions: Use your dictionary to find the meaning for the vocabulary words in the box. Then write the words from the box next to their definitions below.

• A plan of steps for achieving something Vocabulary word
• To talk about an idea or subject with someone
• The people and things that are around you in life
• Something that is said or written as a reply
• To make a request for something such as a job
• Facts or details that tell you about something
• Your idea or belief about a subject
• When you achieve what you want
• Information, skills, and understanding that you have gotten through learning or experience

Part 2:

Directions: Read the questions below. Find and underline each vocabulary word in the questions. Then ask your partner the questions.

• What kind of environment is good for studying?
• What information did you learn in class yesterday?
• Do you like to discuss your opinions in class?
• What do you need to do to be a successful student?
  

  Listening tip: Syllables

  When you listen to a word in English, you can hear different parts of the word. These parts are called ‘syllables.

  For example:

  the word paper has two parts: pa – per

  the word beautiful has three parts: beau- ti- ful

  the word love only has one part: love

  Knowing how many syllables a word has will help you be able to pronounce the word correctly. It will also help you be able to spell the word.

  How do you find the syllables in a word?

  A dictionary will mark the syllables in a word like this: pa – per
  Study the spelling of the word- Every syllable needs at least 1 vowel pa- per.
  Put your hand under your chin and say the word. Each time your chin touches your hand counts as one syllable.
  Listen carefully to each sound you can hear in the word.

  Practice hearing syllables below with the chapter 1 vocabulary words:

  Directions: Listen to the pronunciation of the vocabulary words. Write the vocabulary word then listen again and write the number of syllables that you hear in each word. The first word has been done for you. Mark the syllables on each of the words.

  Chapter 1 Vocabulary

  Im-por-tant (3)

Using Vocabulary in Context

Part A Directions

Read the paragraph and try to complete the missing words with the chapter 1 vocabulary words. You many need to make a word plural.

On the first day of English class, there is a lot of                    that you will talk about and               with your teacher and classmates. It is very                    that you pay attention, so you don’t miss anything. Your teacher will ask you questions and will wait for your                   . In American classrooms, the                 is interactive, which means the teacher and the students talk to each other a lot. Also, it is common for the students to talk in groups or pairs a lot and share ideas or                 about something. On the first day, your teacher might share a new learning or tip that will help increase your                  in the class. Before too long, you will have a lot of                     in your brain, and you will improve your English in no time. You might even use your new English skills to                  for a student job or a place on a university team! Good luck!

Part B Directions

Listen below and check your answers in the paragraph above.

Chapter 1 Activity 3

Part C Directions

Practice reading the paragraph with a partner. Take turns reading the paragraph out loud and practicing correct pronunciation of the vocabulary words.

Find someone who….

Directions: You must find a classmate who says “yes” to the points below.

First, think of how to find the information using a question.

Then, ask your classmates the questions and write their names if they say “yes”.

If they say “no”, ask a different classmate.

Try to find a different name for each question.

Example

Discussion Activity: Choosing a University

Directions: You and your best friend have just finished high school and want to choose a university to attend together. You have narrowed it to two choices, but you can’t decide which one you want to go to. Both schools have accepted you. Which one will you choose? You must agree with your friend. 

University A

• Next to many restaurants and shops
• In the middle of a big city
• 25,000 students
• Loud and noisy
• Close to public transportation
• $25,000.00 per year tuition

University B

• In a small community
• 500 students
• Quiet neighborhood
• No public transportation
• Not close to restaurants or shopping
• $ 35,000.00 per year tuition

 

 

 

 

Which university will you choose to attend?

What are three reasons why you will choose the university and not the other?

1. ______________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________