If you are like most international students, you are probably pretty comfortable reading and writing in English, but not as comfortable with listening and speaking in the language. 16
Make friends with American students. Many international students end up making friends with a lot of — or only — other international students. 17 Hanging out with natives not only naturally pushes you to improve your spoken English, but also helps you pick up cultural and social information.
Learn from American friends. Tell your American friends that you are trying to improve your listening and speaking skills, and would like them to help you. If you pronounce a word incorrectly, or misuse an idiom, you want them to tell you. 18
Increase your knowledge. 19 If you have known about the topics that are likely to be discussed in conversation, you have a much better chance of understanding people when they talk, and of being able to express yourself well.
20 If you have to explain something to someone, you have a strong desire to pronounce everything as well as you can, and find other ways to explain yourself. Finally, this becomes a good habit. Many people have asked me how I learned to speak English fluently, and I think it is because of my being a math teacher in college for years.
A. I don’t think this is a good idea.
B. You will learn much faster this way.
C. If possible, become a teacher at your school.
D. It’s a win-win opportunity for international students.
E. Read books, keep up with news and watch popular shows and movies.
F. It’s a good way to make some extra cash while improving your English.
G. Below are some tips to help you to improve your conversational skills.
16. AD 17.A 18.B 19.AB 20.C
—Good afternoon. My name is Peter. I’m the general manager of the personnel department. I’ll be interviewing you. Please sit down.
— 61 , Peter. My name’s Jon. Jon Smash.
—Well, Jon, it’s a pleasure to meet you. 62 .
—I’ve been a manager at Nike for over three years. I won manager of the year award two years ago, and I got promoted last August.
—OK. Tell me about yourself…your personality.
— 63 . I think before I act, and if something goes wrong in our company I always remain calm. I never scream at my employees. And I’ve never lost my temper.
— 64 ?
—I think I’m good at solving problems. 65 . I also love challenges. I work well under pressure. When my boss pushes me to finish a project early I always get it done and never complain.
—Jon, you seem like a very good manager. I like your ambition. You’re very confident and motivated. We like that here at Microsoft. Well, our interview is over……
A. I’m glad it’s you who will offer me the opportunity to get the job B. I enjoy approaching problems directly C. Nice to meet you D. What are your strengths E. I owe my success to my employees F. Tell me about your work experience G. I think I’m very level-headed |
61. _______ 62. _______ 63. _______ 64. _______ 65. _______