Week 12, Day 2: Advanced Conversational Phrases#

Learning Content:

• Idioms and Slang: Focus on understanding and using idioms and slang that are commonly used in English-speaking countries. This includes phrases like “hit the nail on the head” (to describe something very accurately) or “piece of cake” (something very easy).
• Colloquial Expressions: Learn colloquial expressions that native speakers use in everyday conversation. For example, “gonna” for “going to” or “wanna” for “want to”.
• Cultural References: Gain familiarity with cultural references that often appear in conversation, such as references to popular TV shows, historical events, or common societal practices.

Testing Standards:

• Oral Test on Idioms and Slang: You will be asked to explain the meaning of various idioms and slang terms and use them in sentences. Aim for at least 80% accuracy in both understanding and usage.
• Written Test on Colloquial Expressions: Write a short essay or dialogue that incorporates colloquial expressions appropriately. Your work will be evaluated for correct usage and naturalness in context.
• Cultural References Comprehension: Participate in a discussion or complete a written assignment that involves cultural references. You should be able to understand and explain the references, showing how they contribute to the meaning of the conversation or text.

Verification:

• Conversation Practice: Engage in a conversation with me or another English speaker, focusing on using idioms, slang, and colloquial expressions. The goal is to use these expressions naturally and appropriately within the context of the conversation.
• Cultural Exchange: Share something from your own culture and compare it with an aspect of English-speaking cultures. This will help deepen your understanding of cultural references and how they influence language and communication.

By the end of the second day of week 12, you should be more comfortable using advanced conversational phrases and understanding cultural references, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively and naturally in English.

To practice speaking and listening skills on the second day of week 12, you can incorporate a variety of strategies that focus on both understanding spoken English and improving your ability to communicate effectively. Here are specific activities and methods based on the provided search results:

Listening Practice#

1. Listen to the Same Content Repeatedly:
   • Choose a short podcast episode or YouTube video related to technology or daily life topics. Listen to the same content every day for a week[2].
   • Focus on identifying and understanding difficult words or phrases. Look them up and listen again to grasp their meaning fully[2].
   • Try to mimic the speaker’s pronunciation and intonation by speaking along with the audio. This can help improve your speaking fluency and listening comprehension simultaneously[2].
2. Intensive Listening:
   • Dedicate 15 minutes to listen to an audio file in a quiet place without interruptions. Concentrate on catching specific words, their usage, and the overall meaning[2].
   • Take notes on important points, such as changes in the speaker’s tone that might indicate emotions like anger or sarcasm, and any unfamiliar words[2].
3. Experiment with Different Accents:
   • Listen to content featuring various English accents (e.g., British, American, Australian). This will help you become more adaptable in understanding English spoken with different accents[2].

Speaking Practice#

1. Join a Conversation Group:
   • Participate in an English conversation group, either in person or online. Platforms like Meetup can be useful for finding groups of English learners or native speakers willing to practice[2].
   • This provides a real-life context for using new vocabulary and expressions you’ve learned, and it’s an excellent opportunity to listen to others and respond in real-time[2].
2. Record and Compare:
   • Record yourself speaking on a topic of interest or summarizing the content you’ve listened to. Compare your recording to the original audio to identify areas for improvement in pronunciation and fluency[2].
3. Speak to Yourself:
   • Practice speaking English during daily activities, such as while running or showering. You can even engage in self-dialogue, pretending to be two different people having a conversation[2].
   • This method helps you to think in English and improves your ability to form sentences quickly and naturally[2].

Testing Standards#

• Listening Comprehension Test: After a week of listening to the same content, test your understanding by summarizing the main points and details without listening to it again. Aim for accuracy and completeness in your summary.
• Speaking Evaluation: Have a tutor or language exchange partner evaluate your recorded speech or conversation. Feedback should focus on pronunciation, fluency, and the correct use of idioms and colloquial expressions.

By engaging in these activities, you’ll enhance both your listening and speaking skills, making you more confident in your ability to understand spoken English and express yourself clearly and effectively.

Citations: [1] https://graduate.unl.edu/professional-development/first-3-weeks [2] https://www.cmu.edu/teaching/designteach/teach/firstday.html [3] https://insideschools.org/news-&-views/ask-judy-what-about-summer-school-for-high-school-students [4] https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/time-days-of-week.php [5] https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/english-days-of-the-week/