C-37-38

• English
• Special Education

Why Speaking is a Problem  

You Are Not Alone 

There are currently an estimated 2 billion English learners in the world. In many countries, English as a second language is now required in school. After years of studying English, students still have difficulty speaking English. 

Research shows the problems are the same for ESL (English as a second language) students from all countries. Students will take grammar courses for years, but they still feel uncomfortable when speaking.

Speaking is the one language skill that requires interaction with other people. An individual can learn and practice English grammar, writing, reading, and listening without help from other people. However, speaking is more difficult as a self-study lesson and practice is required. Verbal communication becomes a problem without practice. Much time is spent on learning grammar and other English skills. You also need to spend time on oral speaking skills. The main objective of ESL teaching should be effective communication, not perfect grammar. Successful oral communication requires speaking practice.

How to practice and improve your English speaking skills?

Improve your speaking

•Don't rush. It's better to speak slowly and clearly.

•Use full sentences, not just words or phrases.

•If you do not understand, ASK.   

•Do not worry about a native-English accent.

•Practice, Practice, Practice

PRACTICE

Practice saying, “Why did you do that?”

A. After a child puts your cell phone in a bowl of water

B. After your best friend puts a funny photo of you online

C. After a friend gives you an expensive present

D. After your friend broke their leg trying to help you

Whether you're travelling to the islands or the mountains of Thailand, you're likely to spend at least one night in its capital city on the way. Bangkok might be noisy and polluted but it's also an exciting city with plenty of things to see and do. Why not make it a longer stay?

Where to stay

The Khao San Road was a famous traveller spot even before Leonardo di Caprio's character in the film The Beach stayed there. But it's noisy, not very pretty and not very Thai. For something more authentic, Phra Kanong offers an alternative place to stay, with its fantastic street markets where everyday Bangkok people eat, work and live. It's not as convenient for the main tourist sites, but it has a Skytrain station so you can be at the Grand Palace in 20 minutes.

How to get around

Bangkok's traffic can be a nightmare. Sure, you can easily take a taxi – if you want to spend hours stuck in traffic jams – but there are two much better ways to get around the city. To explore the temples and historical sites, catch an express boat river taxi or a longtail boat along the Chao Phraya river and the canals. For the modern part of the city, the Skytrain is a fast, cheap way to travel from the river to the shopping malls and nightlife of Sukhumvit, and the famous Chatuchak street market.

Where to eat

The simple answer is: everywhere! Thai street food is among the best in the world, and for around $5 you can eat a filling and delicious meal. Some food stands have little plastic seats where you can sit and eat and they cook the same dish over and over, like fried chicken on rice or Pad Thai noodles. Head for Chinatown – Yaowarat Street – and choose whatever looks most interesting from the many excellent Chinese and Thai restaurants and food stands.  

What to do

After you've seen the main sites like the Giant Buddha at the temple of Wat Pho and the spectacular Grand Palace, and shopped at Chatuchak market, check out the snake farm and watch the live snake show. You can even touch a snake yourself if you want to!

One night is enough time to see Bangkok.

1. True
2. False

Khao San Road is an authentic Thai area of the city.

1. True
2. False

Phra Kanong is further away from the main tourist sites than Khao San Road is.

1. True
2. False

The river boat taxis often get stuck in traffic too.

1. True
2. False

Taking the Skytrain is a faster way to see the city than going by taxi.

1. True
2. False

You need to choose where to eat carefully, as not everywhere is good.

1. True
2. False

Watch the following video about Donald Trump's
ten rules for success and decide if the following statements are true or false.

The Trump Toto

Rule # 1
A. Donald Trump believes that money can be a method of keeping score.
B. He says that if you want to make money, you shouldn’t be just after it.

Rule # 2
A. The top people in the industry today are extremely smart people.
B. Sometimes tough but not very smart people can solve problems better than the smart ones.

Rule # 3
A. Details are very important in business, not in life.

Rule # 4
A. If you want to succeed, you shouldn’t take your eye off the ball.
B. When the market crashed in the 90’s, Donald Trump got a chance to see if he could handle pressure.

Rule # 5
A. A good employee can help you lead your business to the next level.
B. The worst thing for your business is a bad employee.


Rule # 6    
A. “The harder I work, the luckier I get” is the saying that helped Donald Trump to encourage Gary Player before the US Open.

Rule # 7    
A. Most of the time to be successful you have to follow your gut.

Rule # 8
B. To become a winner you should think like a winner and rely on your partners a lot.

Rule # 9
A. Donald Trump has a very messy desk and he can’t often find the papers he needs.
B. Donald Trump says that his desk is a very important part of his success because only very important business issues come through it.

Rule # 10

A. The Wall Street guy was a terrible person but his son was wonderful.
B. The Wall Street guy wanted his son to set up his own business.
C. The Wall Street guy’s son (Alex) was interested in working for a golf club and he helped this club a lot.
D. Donald Trump’s advice to Alex was “Go and do renovations of houses and clubs for a living”.
E. Alex followed Donald Trump’s advice immediately and succeed.