Introductory Message
This week we go back to the basics and concentrate on what really matters for all English Corner participants – let’s talk about learning English. This session will start with a mini presentation introducing some commonly used ESL exams and assessment frameworks, such as Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is followed by an open-ended story sharing to explore the intergenerational differences in learning English. Then we are going to take a divide-and-conquer approach to address the challenges of mastering the six essential English skills, namely listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary.
雅思托福GRE，托业口译BEC，考研专八四六级…
你还记得这些年准备过、参加过的英语考试吗？
许国璋、张思中、辛沛沛，新概念，疯狂英语，《老友记》和《越狱》…
哪位前辈、哪些教材曾为你的英语学习启蒙？
本周的「茶隅FUN逅」英语角归本溯源，与各位聊聊英语学习这件事儿。
探讨英语学习的年代性特征，分享学习心得，共同应对挑战。
欢迎你来！
Key Issues Discussed
What is English?
- English is a language. 3 Key components: pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary
- English is a skill. Use it or lose it.
- English is an exercise for brain.
- English is a requirement.
- English is a tool? (challenged by AI?)
- English is a hobby.
- ...
Why learning English？
- Be asked to.
- For pragmatic reasons - studying abroad, getting a job etc.
- For fun.
- For communication.
- For bonding and understanding.
- For a new perspective to see the world.
- ...
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.“ — Nelson Mandela
How good is your English? → How to measure or describe your English proficiency?
“We want to walk up to someone, open our mouths, forget the rules, and speak automatically. ”
Some ESL Exams
- 1964 TOFEL Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEIC Test of English for International Communication)
- 1980 IELTS International English Language Testing System
- 1987-09 CET4 College English Test
- 1989-01 CET6
- 1999-06 PETS Public English Test System
- 2001 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Scaling system
- EF (9) : Pre-beginner, Beginner, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, Pre-Advanced, Advanced, Academic Proficiency
- King's International English 白金汉 (10): Ice Breaker, Basic, Beginner, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, Advanced, Business, Business+, Advanced+, Advanced++
- Web International English 韦博国际英语 (8)：Icebreaker, Threshold, Beginner, Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, Business Intermediate, Business Advanced, Advanced.
Magical numbers about vocabulary
- 2000 words (79.9%), 3000 words (84%), 5000 words (88.6%)
- For native English speakers: 2 years old - 300 words, 5 years old - 5000 words, 12 years old - 12000 words, college students 23000 words, to read Shakespeares 30000 words (Guardian, 1986)
- CET4 4500 words, CET6 6000 words, IELTS 7 7000-8000 words, mastering 5000, TOEFL 7000-8000 words
Learning English: Challenges and Strategies
General Learning Tips
- Mind Maps
- Mistakes Record
- Dictation
- Watch English TV programmes, talk shows, reality shows etc.
- SeeItSayItSorted
Vocabulary Building
- Word profiles
- Word families
- Word forks
- Word steps
Date & Time: 01/12/2018 19:30-21:00 (Clear & Cool)
Attendees: 13 Nanxian, Janny, John, Tony, Mike, Celia, Jack (Jason+1), Observing guest, Mr Cai, Tiffany, Rock
Archive files: 1 short Video (50s), 1 Signin Form
Minutes taken by Janny
