2 Study the examples of Internet sites which can help in your independent learning of English. Choose one of them or add some of your own choice.

Internet resources for independent learning of English
The Internet contains lots of opportunities for independent learners of English	If you like …
	…watching MOVIES, try  http://www.englishcentral.com/en/videos  http://www.learn-english.co.il/
	… reading news and blogs, try  http:// bbc.co.uk  http://blog.missiontolearn.com/2008/08/learn-language-online-best-blogs
	… exchanging postcards or having penpals, try  http://www.postcrossing.com  http://www.penpalworld.com
… listening to podcasts and audiobooks, try  http://www.voanews.com/learningenglish/home/  http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/elementary-podcasts

	Get ready for a short 1-2 minute presentation on the method you have chosen. In your presentation: 1. demonstrate the method; 2. list its opportunities and benefits;
	3. give tips to your groupmates how to use it (e.g. share other useful internet-links or electronic copies of materials).

Be ready to assess the presentations of your groupmates.

Additional Reading to Unit 2 Communication of Cultures and Culture of Communication

 LEARNING ABOUT PRESENTATION

1 Did you have any experience of making presentations of your projects?

2 Read the text and find out about cultural peculiarities of presentations. Text 1. Cultural hints for performing presentations

Style of presentations

• In the USA the presenter has a more informal style. Modern audiovisual aids are used. The audience may ask questions or interrupt while someone is speaking.

• In Britain the presenter often has a more formal style. Germans like a presentation with technical details. The French like a formal, logical approach mixed with imagination.

• In Latin America and southern Europe presentations are lively and eloquent. The opening includes appreciation of hospitality. Comments are directed to the senior persons. Much use is made of hands and body language to emphasize a point. Audience members may want a more personal ‘extra’ talk afterwards.

• In Japan and south-east Asia the audience likes facts and data rather than abstract concepts. The opening is formal and includes appreciation of hospitality. Comments are directed to everyone. The Japanese ask repeated questions to check understanding.

Using your voice

• Americans and Germans use a strong, unemotional voice. Most northern Europeans use a moderate tone of voice.

• Latin Americans and southern Europeans have a forceful, animated style which is believed to project sincerity.

• Asians have a quiet, restrained style. The Japanese use silence to establish harmony and sense the mood of the audience.

(Business Builder. Intermediate Teacher’s Resource Series, P.Emerson, Macmillan Heinimann, 2002)

 3 Read the text and make use of the given recommendations introducing the speakers.