Learn English By Yourself A How-To-Do-It Presentation by Khalid Al-Dossary www.dawahmemo.com

Topics Why How

Learn English by Yourself Why? Work and business (Knowledge is power.) Day-to-day activities Cultural awareness and international communication [Open a venue to the wide world (globalization).] Mental growth and development (Your mind: Use it or lose it.)

Why? English helps you to… Have excellent communication and better interaction Utilize fully your unlimited potential for growth and development Function better in a changing world

Why? English helps you to… obtain cultural enrichment become a life long learner increase your overall competence and skills

Why? Learn English by Yourself You really have no other choice. People who master English as their second language always do so by work that is beyond what they did in the classroom. Conventional Ways of learning English: Traditional ESL programs, British Council, Saudi Aramco English, TOEFL Preparation, etc. are all designed for a limited level of English.

Learn English by Yourself HOW Make a plan for addressing all four language skills Listening Speaking Reading Writing Emphasize the skill that is most important to you but give adequate attention to the others as well. Also look for activities that integrate the different skills.

How To: Listening Conversation with native speakers Conversing with yourself (reading aloud) Selected television and radio shows Listen only Listen and repeat Lectures Language teaching cassettes

How To: Listening Conversation with native speakers The best way; don’t be shy. Selected television and radio shows News programs Talk shows Entertainment shows (good source of current language usage, idioms, slang) Documentaries

How To: Listening con’t Lectures Take a recorder. (Listen & Repeat) Language teaching cassettes TOEFL Prep listening tapes Complete courses on CD Learning English by The Learning Company (American English) Flying Colours by Macmillan/Heinemann (British English)

How To: Listening con’t Listening lessons on the internet Eviews Listen to Interviews http://www.eviews.net/index.shtml Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab http://www.esl-lab.com English Listening Lounge http://www.EnglishListening.com English Channel: ESL http://www.hio.ft.hanze.nl/thar/default.htm Search (There are many others. Let me know when you find an excellent site.)

How To: Speaking Conversation with native speakers (Spontaneous and planned or rehearsed) Conversation with other English language learners Pronunciation lessons in English courses

How To: Reading READ. Don’t study reading. Read. Getting started Graded readers Children’s books ESL textbooks Moving on And then Un-simplified Novels e.g. The Pearl by John Steinbeck Newspapers Magazines Professional Journals

How To: Writing ESL courses and writing exercises Daily journal E-mail; acceptable pen pals Friends, family studying abroad Work-related writing

How To: Work Together Form a self-study group. Use a successful model such as PELC Self-Directed Learning Groups Set objectives Meet regularly Vary activities Have a recorder and a leader Limit number in the group Get recognition within the company

Learning English By Yourself Tools Textbooks A computer with Internet access A library A notebook for Journal entries Vocabulary A plan or schedule

Vocabulary Notebook Entries A more useful entry: Oppose (verb) to disagree with; to work against (definition) The company opposes testing products on animals. (sentence) Opposed to sports Opposed to war Opposed to marrying someone (extension; adjective) A useful entry: Oppose (verb) to disagree with; to work against

Learning English By Yourself Make a (flexible) plan. Work with your learning style. Integrate the different skills. Remember most people feel honored that you want to learn their language and are pleased to help you. If you stop, start again. (But try not to stop.) Put yourself in situations where you have to use English. Spend a little money if necessary—buy good texts, hire a tutor.

What it takes to turn your plans, including your plan to learn English, into reality?

Patience Practice Perseverance Three P’s Patience Practice Perseverance

Reading Reciting Repeating Three R’s Reading Reciting Repeating

Confidence Cultural tolerance Continuity Effort & Encouragement Three C’s and Two E’s Confidence Cultural tolerance Continuity Effort & Encouragement

Seek help from experts, but be your own teacher.

Thank you for your attention and best wishes in your endeavors.

Learning English By Yourself: Tracking Your Progress