Learning foreign languages

LEARNING FOREIGN LANGUAGES

I. Discussion points:

· What are the most common languages spoken in the world today?

· What languages can you speak?

· Why do you think people learn foreign languages?

· When did you start learning English? How do you learn it now?

Do you think it will be useful for you in the future?

· What is easy and difficult for you in your study of English?

II. Study the text and do the exercises:

Learning foreign languages

Language is a means of communication. Speaking a language we convey our thoughts to the listeners.

Learning to communicate in another language is, in some ways, like learning to dance or to play the piano. It needs a lot of practice. Learning a language is not an easy thing. It is a long and slow process that takes a lot of time and efforts.

The problem of learning languages is very important today. Foreign languages are socially demanded especially at the present time when the progress in science and technology has led to an explosion of knowledge and has contributed to an overflow of information. The total knowledge of mankind is known to double every seven years. Foreign languages are needed as the main and most efficient means of information exchange of the people of our planet.

Nowadays it is especially important to know a foreign language. Some people learn it because they need it for their work, others travel abroad, for the third studying a foreign language is a hobby. The knowledge of a foreign language makes our outlook wider.

Some language students sometimes think it is enough simply “to know” a grammar rule or the meaning of the word. They do not understand that there is a great difference between “knowing” a foreign language and being able to use it correctly. To have a good command of the language you need to practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing. There are certain basic things that cannot be mastered without a great deal of practice.

The work of learning a language is difficult but rewarding. It will get you a feeling of satisfaction and will give you a chance to get to know more about the world we live in.

Vocabulary notes:

means of communication – средство общения

(to) convey – выражать, сообщать

listener - слушатель

(to) communicate – общаться

effort – усилие, попытка

socially demanded – социально востребованный

explosion – бурный рост

(to) contribute – способствовать, делать вклад

mankind - человечество

(to) make outlook wider – расширять кругозор

meaning – значение, смысл

(to) have a good command of a language – хорошо владеть языком

(to) master – овладевать, владеть в совершенстве

(a) great deal of - много

rewarding - стоящий

feeling of satisfaction – чувство удовлетворения

1. Choose the correct definition for each expression from the list on the right:

1. (a) means of communication a. to become skilful at

2. to convey thoughts b. worth

3. to have a good command of the language c. to communicate ideas

4. to master d. to be good at learning

5. rewarding learning the language

e. a way of exchanging

information

2. Comment on the statement:

“The work of learning a language is difficult but rewarding”

3. Answer the questions:

a. What must a language student do to have a good command of the language?

b. What are some basic things in English that cannot be mastered without

practice in your opinion?

c. When does your work of studying English give you a feeling of satisfaction?

d. What are the best ways to master a foreign language in your opinion?

III. Give the retelling of the text adding your own ideas: