3. My expectations from the University course of English.
What language learning experience do you have?
What was particularly important and enriching?
What are your personal goals of learning English?
What communication skills do you need for your future profession?
Do you realize that success in achieving your aims depends on your active role, your efforts, and motivation?
project work
1 Join up with students who have similar learning goals. You can probably find the name for your group: ‘smart girls/guys’, ‘lifelong learners’, ‘lazybones’- which do you think characterize you better? Discuss the objectives you have decided on and prepare “The Group Charter”. Be ready to present it at the next lesson on behalf of your group or present it together. Make use of the presentation skills tips given above. For ideas see Appendix 3.
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
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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/ |
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… reading news and blogs, try
http:// bbc.co.uk http://blog.missiontolearn.com/2008/08/learn-language-online-best-blogs |
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… exchanging postcards or having penpals, try
http://www.postcrossing.com http://www.penpalworld.com |
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… listening to podcasts and audiobooks, try
http://www.voanews.com/learningenglish/home/ http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/elementary-podcasts |
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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; |
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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
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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.