【推荐1】We are all learning English, but how can we learn English well? A student can know a lot about English, but maybe he can’t speak English. If you want to know how to swim, you must get into the river. And if you want to be a football player, you must play football.

So, you see. You can learn English only by using it. You should listen to your teacher in class. You should read your lessons every day. However, you may make mistakes in grammar. Don’t worry, and your classmates won’t laugh at you. After class, you can have conversations with your friends. Sometimes, you can read English magazines. You must write something sometimes. Then one day, you may find your English is very good.

My name is Christine and I’d like to tell you how I learned English.

Here in Brazil（巴西）we started to have English classes in high school. When I finished school, I wasn’t good at English, but later, I found it interesting to listen to English songs and watch English movies. So I decided to study English at Fisk School when I was thirty-five years old. I had classes with sixty teenagers in a big classroom at that time.

Because I had to look after my son, I stopped studying at the school after seven months. But I kept studying by myself. I improved my English by listening to English songs and watching English movies. When I had problems（问题）, I tried to find answers on the Internet. During that time, my friends helped me a lot.

Now, I have no problem in speaking or reading. Most of my friends are surprised（吃惊的）when I speak in English.

【推荐3】Many students ask for advice about how to improve their English. Here are three questions from three students and the advice from Diana at New Standard Magazine. Please find the proper advice for each of the students.

	Li Hao: “ I like watching English films and listening to English songs, but I don’t understand very much. What can I do?”     1
	Wang Fan: Our school has a teacher from the US. I am shy and I am afraid to speak to her. What should I do?”     2
	Zhang Lei: “ I write down new words, but I forget them quickly. How can I remember them?”     3

【推荐3】

As you know, homework is a big part of going to school. Sometimes, it may be difficult for us to finish all the homework on time. And we would like it easy.     1    .

Make a homework plan

Most middle school students have two or three hours of homework a night. If it is a heavy homework day, you may need to spend even more time.     2    , especially if you are going to do sports or other activities after school.

Watch where you work

A bedroom, study or any room where you can get away from noise is good for you to do your homework.     3    . Otherwise, you might fall asleep there.

Take a break

    4    , so it may be helpful to take some breaks while doing your homework. Sitting for too long without relaxing will make you less productive (多产的) than if you stop to take a break regularly. Taking a 10- minute break every hour is a good way for most people.

    5    

Sometimes even though you are listening carefully in class, some subjects seem too hard. The first person to ask for help is your teacher. He or she may be able to work with you before or after school and explain things more clearly.