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10 Ways To Improve Your Listening Skill !!

3:28 AM | Labels:


Not all people are great at listening, some even said that listening is the hardest part in communicating. But actually there are some ways for you to improve your listening skill.

The following ten ways, adapted from Thill and Bovee’s book, will help you become a better listener:
  1. Minimize both internal and external distractions. You can’t always get rid of a headache, but you can close the windows if the driver of a truck is outside revving his engine.
  2. Adjust your listening to the situation. If you’re listening to a lecture for an exam in Biology class, you’ll want to pay closer attention than if you’re watching the local news. In the former situation, you’ll probably take notes.
  3. Show you’re listening by your nonverbal communication. You might nod, shake your head, or raise your eyebrows. Adjust your posture accordingly. Make eye contact.
  4. If you’re listening to a speech or attending a business meeting, determine the most important points and develop a method to remember them. You might repeat them mentally or even jot them down briefly.
  5. When you’re listening to a friend with a problem, demonstrate empathy. Show her you understand what she is going through.

  6. Realize that people don’t necessarily want you to solve their problem. They may simply want to share how they are feeling. Save advice for another time, unless you’re asked for it.

  7. Don’t interrupt. Let the person finish what he is saying before you explain your point of view or ask questions.

  8. Don’t prejudge a person’s message by the way he looks. You can learn something from almost anyone.

  9. Stay focused on the subject. It’s easy to let your mind wander, especially if the subject isn’t important to you. Train yourself to concentrate.

  10. Remain clearheaded, even if the topic is emotional. Perhaps someone is discussing the victories of the recent election, and you were passionate about a losing candidate. When emotions become involved, you may end up in the middle of a shouting match, which will resolve nothing. Present your points calmly. You’ll gain credibility by doing so.

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Daily Activity Report

3:02 AM | Labels:

Daily activity report is the easiest writing exercise because we only need to write our activities in a day. We can express our day in any way we like :D  

 And here's the example of daily activity report :


MY DAILY ACTIVITY 

5 o’clock, it’s time to me to get up but it’s bitter cold to take a bath at that time, so I just take a wudhu and pray subuh. While waiting for 05.30 am, I spend my time reading a book about 15 minutes and looking into some equipment for going to the university. If I have class at 7 o’clock I’ll take a bath at 5.30 am but if I have class above 9 o’clock I’ll help my sister to cook for breakfast previously.
Every morning, before going to the university, I always drink coffee. Sometimes, I feel it help me to stay up or not to be sleepy and I guess I’m addicted to coffee.
I always go to the university about 40 minutes before my class is started as from my home to the university takes 30 minutes. After my class is over, I don’t go home directly but I discuss with my friends talking about our assignments and usually I arrive at home approximately 04.30 pm even maghrib.
After taking a bath and praying maghrib, I recite Al-Qur’an about 15 minutes then I have dinner while waiting for isya’ time. Praying isya’, I study and do my homeworks and unforgettable I make coffee in order that I’m awake. Yeah, books, pens, and a cup of coffee are my best friends which always accompany me every night as sometimes I can’t sleep till 12.00 am or more.
Those are my activities from getting up to getting back to sleep.

Now, you should try to make your own daily activity report ^_^ good luck! 









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10 tips to improve the way you speak English

2:58 AM | Labels:

Here are 10 ways to improve your speaking ability,

Check it out !!!

1. Observe the mouth movements of those who speak English well and try to imitate them.
When you are watching television, observe the mouth movements of the speakers. Repeat what they are saying, while imitating the intonation and rhythm of their speech. 

2. Until you learn the correct intonation and rhythm of English, slow your speech down.
If you speak too quickly, and with the wrong intonation and rhythm, native speakers will have a hard time understanding you. 

Don't worry about your listener getting impatient with your slow speech -- it is more important that everything you say be understood.

3. Listen to the 'music' of English.
Do not use the 'music' of your native language when you speak English. Each language has its own way of 'singing'.  


4. Use the dictionary.
Try and familiarities yourself with the phonetic symbols of your dictionary. Look up the correct pronunciation of words that are hard for you to say. 

5. Make a list of frequently used words that you find difficult to pronounce and ask someone who speaks the language well to pronounce them for you.
Record these words, listen to them and practice saying them. Listen and read at the same time.  
 
6. Buy books on tape.
Record yourself reading some sections of the book. Compare the sound of your English with that of the person reading the book on the tape. 

7. Pronounce the ending of each word.
Pay special attention to 'S' and 'ED' endings. This will help you strengthen the mouth muscles that you use when you speak English.
 
8. Read aloud in English for 15-20 minutes every day.
Research has shown it takes about three months of daily practice to develop strong mouth muscles for speaking a new language. 

9. Record your own voice and listen for pronunciation mistakes.
Many people hate to hear the sound of their voice and avoid listening to themselves speak. However, this is a very important exercise because doing it will help you become conscious of the mistakes you are making.

10. Be patient
You can change the way you speak but it won't happen overnight. People often expect instant results and give up too soon. You can change the way you sound if you are willing to put some effort into it. 
 

Quick tips

Various versions of the English language exist. Begin by identifying the category you fall into and start by improving the clarity of your speech.
  • Focus on removing the mother tongue influence and the 'Indianisms' that creep into your English conversations.

  • Watch the English news on television channels like Star World, CNN, BBC and English movies on Star Movies and HBO.
  • Listen to and sing English songs. We'd recommend Westlife, Robbie Williams, Abba, Skeeter Davis and Connie Francis among others. 


 So guys,, Happy Speaking with those tips.

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Listening Exercise 1

2:42 AM | Labels:

answer these questions according to the conversation you've heard

1. What time does the man get up?
A. at 5:00 a.m.
B. at 6:00 a.m.
C. at 7:00 a.m.
2. What time does he get to work?
A. at 7:00 a.m.
B. at 8:00 a.m.
C. at 9:00 a.m.
3. What does he do with his family around 6:30 p.m.?
A. They read books together.
B. They play games.
C. They eat dinner.
4. What do the man and his wife do after the kids go to bed?
A. They watch TV.
B. They clean the house.
C. They listen to music.
5. What is one thing the man does NOT say about his wife?
A. She has to take their children to school.
B. She helps the kids with their homework.
C. She goes shopping for food.




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Write Your Mind !

2:15 AM | Labels:

Examine the picture below !





Describe your opinion about the picture !
(e.g. the students are learning art)

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Simple Present Tense Tutorial Video

2:03 AM | Labels:


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AGREEMENT AND DISAGREEMENT

11:43 PM | Labels:

I agree……
I disagree….


Dialogue 1
Lukman : I think learning computer is very helpful, It makes us easier to do the typing work.
Hakim    : I agree with you. It also makes our calculation work more simple.
Lukman : I think so. And in my opinion we must be allowed to bring calculator to the class in order to make the math lesson more easier.
Hakim : I disagree, it will makes us lazy!

Dialogue 2 Aminah : What do you think about the English test we get? 
Siti : I think it is very confusing. 
Aminah : Do you agree with Siti, Zahra? 
Zahra : No, I don’t agree. Maybe Siti didn’t prepare for the test. 
Aminah : Yes, I agree with your opinion. 

Study the expressions below!
The suitable expressions for asking someone’s agreement and opinion.
• Do you agree with….? 
• Don’t you think that….? 
• What do you think about….opinion?
• Don’t you agree with….?

Study the expressions below!
Expressing Agreement Expressing Disagreement
– I agree with…..
– I think so
– I have the same opinion with…
– You are right / It’s true – I disagree with….
– I don’t agree with….
– I don’t think so…. – That’s wrong/It’s not true



Complete the dialogues based on the situation given!
1. Santi            : In my opinion joining an English course is good for students.
    Sinta            :……………………….
2. Rido            : I think playing play station is a good habit
    Rudi            : ………………………
3. Umar           : Mirna says that we should practise English a lot.
    Usman         : ………………………
4. Ahmad        : Before we begin the lesson we must pray in God first.
     Bakri          : ……………………….
5. Gina                        : Budi thinks that Mathematic is a difficult subject
    Heru            : ……………………….


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Reading Exercise 1

10:02 PM | Labels:




The Offering

Two beggars were sitting on a busy street corner in the downtown section of the city. It was quite clear for a night in December, but the cold wind made them huddle together for heat and comfort. They watched helplessly as scores of people walked by, some purposely ignoring them and others too caught up in their own cares to even notice their existence. Every so often, a kind-hearted woman or a small child would drop a few coins in the hats which lay in front of them on the icy sidewalk. Some people, feeling particularly generous, would even pull out a bill or two from their wallets and stuff them into the beggars' hats, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.
Today was not a bad day for begging. The men were able to collect enough for a decent meal at the coffee shop down the street and a few candles to light up their lean-to shacks in the alley behind the train station. As the crowd began to die down, they started to pack up their bundles and head for their evening shelter.








Just as they were getting ready to leave the street corner, they noticed a man walking toward them. He was obviously a wealthy man--they could tell that from the finely tailored business suit he was wearing and the gold watch chain that adorned his left pocket.
The first beggar nudged the second and whispered with excitement, "He's coming our way!"
The two tried not to look directly at the man as he stepped closer to them, but they couldn't help gazing up with anticipation as he reached into his pocket and took something out.

"Thunk" was the only sound they heard as what looked like a piece of hard candy, wrapped doubly in tissue paper and cellophane hit each of their waiting hats. The rich man turned and continued on his way, not making a backward glance.
"How insulting!" said the first beggar, as soon as the rich man was out of sound range. "He could have easily left us a few coins or a spare bill, but he mocks us with a piece of rock candy."
He looked at the wrapped offering with disgust. "Who does he think we are--children? There's no way we can even eat this--we have no teeth."
The beggar picked up the object with the very tips of his fingers and flicked it into the gutter. He watched as it floated a few yards in the stream of muddy water and disappeared into the drain at the end of the street. Then, he gathered up his things and walked away.
The second beggar looked down at the morsel in his hat, then at his departing friend. His first impulse was to toss the donation in the trash can under the street light. But his second thought made him change his mind.
"I haven't had anything like this for ages," he thought. "I can't chew it, but I can suck on it for awhile, and the sugary juices will stay in my mouth for a long time. How nice of that man to offer me something so sweet."
He opened the cellophane eagerly, then paused as his hands touched the white tissue paper inside. "Maybe I should save it for another time," he thought. "It won't spoil, and I could eat it later when I'm really hungry."
The beggar debated for a moment, then exclaimed aloud, "What the heck. He wanted me to have it anyway. I might as well enjoy it now."
With that, he unfolded the white tissue paper, but to his surprise, there was no hard rock candy inside. Instead, into his fingers fell a shiny white pearl worth thousands of dollars.



Story information:
Copyright: Glen Penrod. 2009. Dymon Publications. American Fork, UT USA.
Picture source: "The Old Beggar" Lewis Dewis, Bordeaux France. (Wikipedia).  


Questions :
1. What is the topic of the story?
2. Where does this story take place?
3. What does the rich man give the beggars ? 
4. Were both beggars grateful for the gift when they first get it ?
5. How does the story end?

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How To Identify The Main Idea

9:37 PM | Labels:

Tips : Identifying the main idea


What is the main idea? 
It may be helpful to first explain what the main idea is not. It is not the information obtained during the introduction to the text when the title, headings, illustrations etc. are briefly considered, and linked to background knowledge, prior to reading. Although these text features are often useful in scaffolding readers towards finding the main idea, on their own, they are not enough. Readers need to explore the text at a deeper level in order to confirm or put aside any tentative thoughts about the main idea that the text introduction may prompt.
It is also important to note that the main idea is not simply what the text is about. To paraphrase Gerald Duffy (2003), "Charlotte's Web" is a story about a spider called Charlotte and a pig called Wilbur, but the main idea is more to do with the things that give life meaning: friendship, love, birth and death. The main idea then, is what the author wants readers to understand is important and valued in the text, i.e., across the whole text, not just within sections of it.
If you intend to use one of the Main Idea assessment resources available in the English bank and are not familiar with teaching the main idea comprehension strategy, it would be useful to read the "Teaching and learning" section of the resource prior to administering the task. The more you understand about the concept of main idea, the clearer you will be when you introduce the task to your students.
Finally, because the main idea is hardly ever explicitly stated by the author, and because readers can't get inside the author's head to find out exactly what they want readers to understand is important and valued in the text, readers can only ever make an informed guess about what the main idea is. Consequently, readers often disagree about the main idea. Any disagreement is best seen as a valuable opportunity for discussion.
How do you find the main idea?
When determining the main idea the reader uses text details, in conjunction with their prior knowledge, to think about what the main message of the text might be. As they read, they begin to tentatively group related details, constantly asking themselves where the author is placing emphasis or value. At various stages throughout the reading the reader may decide to reject very small groups of related details as not being particularly valued by the author. However, as they read on, gathering and grouping more details, they may reverse such a decision. Finally, the reader combines all the evidence, including their prior knowledge, and decides what is most important and valued in the text.
1
Identify the important information.

  
2
Group the important information.

  
3
Combine the groups to get the main idea.
  

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Part of Speech

9:13 PM | Labels:

Parts of Speech
In grammar, a part of speech (also a word class, a lexical class, or a lexical category) is a linguistic category of words (or more precisely lexical items)


Parts of Speech Table
This is a summary of the 8 parts of speech.
part of speech
function or "job"
example words
example sentences
Verb
action or state
(to) be, have, do, like, work, sing, can, must
FED easyenglish is a blog. I like FED easyenglish
Noun
thing or person
pen, dog, work, music, town, London, teacher, John
This is my dog. He lives in my house. We live in London.
Adjective
describes a noun
a/an, the, 2, some, good, big, red, well, interesting
I have two dogs. My dogs are big. I like big dogs.
Adverb
describes a verb, adjective or adverb
quickly, silently, well, badly, very, really
My dog eats quickly. When he is very hungry, he eats really quickly.
Pronoun
replaces a noun
I, you, he, she, some
Tara is Indian. She is beautiful.
Preposition
links a noun to another word
to, at, after, on, but
We went to school on Monday.
Conjunction
joins clauses or sentences or words
and, but, when
I like dogs and I like cats. I like cats and dogs. I like dogs but I don't like cats.
Interjection
short exclamation, sometimes inserted into a sentence
oh!, ouch!, hi!, well
Ouch! That hurts! Hi! How are you? Well, I don't know.
* Some grammar sources categorize English into 9 or 10 parts of speech. At FED easyenglish, we use the traditional categorization of 8 parts of speech. Examples of other categorizations are:
  • Verbs may be treated as two different parts of speech:
    • Lexical Verbs (work, like, run)
    • Auxiliary Verbs (be, have, must)
  • Determiners may be treated as a separate part of speech, instead of being categorized under Adjectives
·       Parts of Speech Examples
·         Here are some sentences made with different English parts of speech:
verb
Stop!

noun
verb
John
works.

noun
verb
verb
John
is
working.
·          
pronoun
verb
noun
She
loves
animals.

noun
verb
adjective
noun
Animals
like
kind
people.
·          
noun
verb
noun
adverb
Tara
speaks
English
well.

noun
verb
adjective
noun
Tara
speaks
good
English.
·          
pronoun
verb
preposition
adjective
noun
adverb
She
ran
to
the
station
quickly.
·          
pron.
verb
adj.
noun
conjunction
pron.
verb
pron.
She
likes
big
snakes
but
I
hate
them.
·         Here is a sentence that contains every part of speech:
interjection
pron.
conj.
adj.
noun
verb
prep.
noun
adverb
Well,
she
and
young
John
walk
to
school
slowly.

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