1 . Four Cool Languages
Chinese
Around 1.4 billion people speak Chinese. Chinese is a tonal (声调的) language, meaning that changing the tone of just one syllable (音节) can affect a word’s meaning. Chinese writing has ancient roots, which is thought to have developed starting around 2000 B. C.
Arabic
Over 370 million people speak Arabic. Written Arabic uses a cursive-style font (连笔) that looks more like artworks than writing. Arabic is written from right to left rather than left to right, making it different from many other languages.
English
Around 379 million people speak English as a native language. It’s an official language in a huge number of other countries.
English is the most widely spoken second language, with over a billion people speaking it as a non-native language. That means around twice as many people speak English as a second language than people who speak it as a first language.
Italian
Nearly 68 million people speak Italian. If you play music or sing, chances are that you already know a lot of Italian because many familiar musical terms are actually Italian.
Not only will learning Italian help you pick up vocabulary, but it will also help you understand the meanings of musical terms in greater depth.
1. What is a feature of Arabic?| A．It doesn’t have cursive-style fonts. | B．It helps artists with their artworks. |
| C．It is written from right to left. | D．It is closely related to music. |
| A．Arabic. | B．English. | C．Chinese. | D．Italian. |
| A．Nearly 68 million. | B．Around 370 million. |
| C．Over 379 million. | D．Around 1.4 billion. |
2 . There are many podcasts (播客) that teach English and you can listen to them anytime. Here is a list of some of the best podcasts that you must see.
Learn English Podcast
This podcast has three levels.The first is for beginners, the second is for intermediates (中级学生) and the third is for upper intermediates. If a person wants to learn Business English,then episodes are also made for him.Every podcast is short but very informative. Worksheets and vocabulary tasks are also included.
Speaking Broadly
This podcast is made for advanced learners. Explained through discussion and interviews, each episode has non-native English speakers and every recording also has expert feedback. You will see some common mistakes made by English learners and you can improve your English by learning from those mistakes.
The English We Speak
This podcast airs one episode daily and every episode is only three to four minutes, which talks about phrases and idioms.There are two people in each episode who communicate with each other. Whatever level you are,you will find it rewarding
Elementary Podcast
This podcast is mainly for beginners and intermediate level learners. The length of a podcast is around 25 minutes but you can pause it anytime and continue whenever you want. The hosts of each episode are different.
1. Which podcast provides exercises going with it?| A．Learn English Podcast. | B．Speaking Broadly. |
| C．The English We Speak | D．Elementary Podcast. |
| A．It records just expert speakers. | B．It aims at beginners. |
| C．It presents some typical mistakes. | D．It provides feedback from listeners. |
| A．They have the same length. | B．They are both interactive. |
| C．They share the same contents. | D．They are suitable for beginners. |
3 . What is standard English? Does it really matter? With the rise of Internet technologies, does anyone actually speak a pure form of their own English anymore? Many English speakers have found Americanisms slowly influencing their language. English may be the international language of communication — but which kind?
As a teacher, a favorite question continually asked by my students is “Which is better, American or British English?” My answer is always the same, “It depends!” These days, we can also add the Australian variety, as learners in Asia where I live are more exposed to Australian English and are more likely to study in Australia than in the United States or the UK, although the difference between Australian and British English is very small and mainly vocabulary-based.
So what can influence whether foreign learners are better off learning a particular standard of English? Put simply, it depends on what is more suitable. Learners need to think over their academic, work or social needs. If someone is working for a US-owned company then the company will probably require American English in its written communication. Similarly if you are studying to be a tour guide in an area that has many British tourists, it makes sense to pay more attention to that standard. If a learner is going to study in Australia then studying Australian English will help him in the long run.
When I have managed language schools, there was often healthy competition between teachers of different nationalities for the importance of their particular standard of English. Language schools abroad may prefer one particular standard of English, and therefore sometimes, understandably, give preference to that particular nationality of teacher.
Personally though, I like to keep an open mind, as there can also be advantages for both students and teachers. Students get to be exposed to more varieties of English, providing them with a more well-rounded education. So teachers should pay attention to the differences in varieties, increasing their own knowledge base.
1. What is the author’s purpose in writing paragraph 1?| A．To introduce some general information on English. |
| B．To bring up the topic of standard English. |
| C．To discuss the importance of English. |
| D．To explain what standard English is. |
| A．It has been influenced by Asian languages. |
| B．It is most popular with international students. |
| C．It is the author’s preferred variety of English. |
| D．It differs from British English mostly in vocabulary. |
| A．His educational level. | B．His personal needs. |
| C．His own interest. | D．His nationality. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Doubtful. | C．Surprised. | D．Uncaring. |
4 . Body language is a huge part of human communication.
So it’s necessary to know how to learn the body languages well.
Step 1: Get a general feeling for the body language by observing speakers of the language you’re leaning.
Step 2:
Step 3: Get a sense of personal space in the culture. Notice how far apart people stand when they’re talking to each other, waiting in line or taking public transportation.
Step 4: Take note of the kinds of gestures that accompany certain emotions. What do people do when they’re surprised, angry or confused?
Keep these suggestions in mind. The point of them is to save you from embarrassment.
| A．Why are they so angry? |
| B．What gestures do they make? |
| C．It is more likely to cause misunderstandings. |
| D．This can vary a lot from culture to culture. |
| E．Focus on how people of your own gender (性别) act. |
| F．If you’re in their country, go and watch people in parks or malls. |
| G．However, the same body language can mean different things in different cultures. |
5 . I’m a strong believer in learning different languages, which makes you look incredibly good when you’re in a foreign country and can understand and speak the language. The following are 4 apps that will help you learn a foreign language! You can download them for free.
Babbel
Babbel’s lessons are mainly quiz-styled and use audio, pictures and words to help you with the grammar and vocabulary of your chosen language. It helps you use most of the skills needed to learn a language. Your skills are improved by carrying out different tasks, such as completing sentences with missing words, translating, placing words in order and so on.
FluentU
FluentU takes native language content like music videos, news and inspiring talks and turns them into language learning lessons. The videos all make use of interactive (交互的) subtitles (字幕) to ensure understanding, allow users to save material for later review, and make the experience more enjoyable. Clicking on a word or phrase brings up extra information, including example sentences and other video clips that use the language item.
Tandem
Rather than have you work through tasks and memorise different things, the app matches you up with people who share your interests but speak the language you want to learn. You can then have text, voice and video conversations with people to learn their native language, and in return they can learn yours, all by simply communicating with each other.
Busuu
This app is perfect if you want to learn English. There are all sorts of audio and visual learning aids. You’ll find yourself working through interactive tests and learning tools for the vocabulary and dialogue.
1. Which app suits you best if you want to learn through communication?| A．Babbel. | B．FluentU. | C．Tandem. | D．Busuu. |
| A．They cover all languages. | B．They focus on grammar. |
| C．They contain many tests. | D．They are free to download. |
| A．To sell apps to language learners. | B．To teach languages through apps. |
| C．To introduce language learning apps. | D．To teach language learners to use apps. |
6 . Tips to Learn Any Foreign Language
Know your motivation
It might sound obvious. But if you don’t have a good reason to learn a language, you are less likely to stay motivated in the long run. But wanting to impress Chinese-speakers with your English isn’t the best reason.
The key to learning as quickly as a child may be simply to take on certain childlike attitudes: a desire to play in the language and a willingness to make mistakes. It means being ready to put yourself in potentially embarrassing situations.
Have fun with it
Think of some fun ways to practise your new language: make a radio play with a friend, draw a comic picture, write a poem or simply practise by listening and copying songs.
We have one more language-learning tip before we go. Remember that the best possible outcome of speaking a language is communicating with others. Being able to have a simple conversation is a huge reward in itself. Reaching milestones like that early on will make it easier to stay motivated and keep practising. And don’t worry about your current speaking ability!
| A．Act like a kid |
| B．This can be scary |
| C．Leave your comfort zone |
| D．Trying to know English culture is a better one |
| E．If you can’t find a way to have fun with a new language |
| F．Most people will be patient, encouraging and happy to help |
| G．You’re learning a language to be able to use when you go abroad |
7 . I’m a strong believer that learning different languages makes you look quite good when you’re in a foreign country and can understand and speak the language. Here are 4 apps that will help you learn a foreign language! You can download them for free.
Babbel — Learn Languages
Babbel is an excellent language tool to help you progress step by step while learning a new language. It helps you learn grammar along the way as you work your way through the tasks and assignments (作业). You need to pay every month, but this will still be cheaper than taking physical lessons with a teacher!
Duolingo: Learn Languages Free
The app has many languages to choose from and will work through the basics all the way to advanced words and sentences. It’s all completely free too! It’s well designed, looks great and will help you learn, remember and progress with just a little bit of time every day.
Tandem: Language Exchange
Rather than have you work through tasks and memorize different things, the app lets you match with people who share your interests but speak the language you want to learn. You can then have text, voice and video conversations with people who want to learn your native language, and in return you learn theirs, all by simply communicating with each other. It’s a great way to learn with only $1 a day.
Learn English — busuu
This app is perfect if you want to learn English. There are all sorts of audio and visual learning aids. You’ll find yourself working through interactive (互动的) tests and learning tools for vocabulary and dialogue.
1. Which app suits best if you want to learn through communication?| A．Babbel — Learn Languages | B．Tandem: Language Exchange |
| C．Duolingo: Learn Languages Free | D．Learn English — busuu |
| A．It’s completely free to use. | B．It’s specially designed for English learning. |
| C．It’s unsuitable for beginners. | D．It’s the best app for English learning. |
| A．They cover all languages. | B．They are expensive. |
| C．They contain many tests. | D．They are free to download. |
8 . In order to learn a foreign language well, four things are important. First, we must understand the language when we hear it spoken. Secondly, we must be able to speak it ourselves, with confidence (自信) and without hesitation (犹豫). Thirdly, we must do much reading. Finally, we must be able to write it. We must be able to make sentences that are correct in grammar.
There are no shortcuts to success in language learning. A good memory is a great help, but it is not enough only to memorize the rules from a grammar book. It is not much learning by heart long lists of words and their meanings, studying the dictionary and so on. We must learn by using the language.
If we are pleased with a few rules we have memorized, we are not really learning the language. We must "learn through use". Practice is important. We must practise speaking and writing the language whenever we can.
1. The important things to learn a foreign language well are________.| A．understanding and speaking | B．listening, speaking, reading and writing |
| C．writing and understanding | D．memorizing and listening |
| A．he doesn't understand the language when he hears it spoken |
| B．he doesn't have a good memory |
| C．he always remembers lists of words and their meanings |
| D．he often hesitates (犹豫) to practise speaking it |
| A．doing much practice | B．studying the dictionary | C．learning through use | D．using the language |
| A．A good memory. | B．Speaking. | C．Practice. | D．Writing. |
9 . As English learners, you often feel anxious when you have to speak English in front of others.
Adopt a practice and repetition routine （常规）.When something becomes natural to you, you begin to feel confident of doing it And the only way you can arrive at this“natural” way of doing things is through practice and repetition.
Don't run away from uncomfortable situations. It is natural for any human being to avoid uncomfortable situations when possible, but you will build your confidence in the uncomfortable zones.
All in all, learning to speak English confidently doesn't happen overnight.
| A．Purposely speak more slowly. |
| B．Try to understand your listeners. |
| C．It takes time and you need to make continuous efforts. |
| D．Well. It's the same principle as speaking English confidently. |
| E．It is common to make some mistakes when you speak English. |
| F．However, going from an unconfident speaker to a confident one is possible. |
| G．The secret is to be fully prepared, and then you will overcome the uncomfortable situations. |
10 . No wonder English is such a challenge for non-native speakers. The language has more words than any other—over 1 million, according to the Global Language Monitor. Out of this number, the average (平均的) American college student knows between 8,000-15,000.
Realizing that words are the building blocks of language, many Chinese students try hard to catch up. They often make long lists of words, and memorize their meanings and Chinese translations.
The bad news is that this method may do them little good when it comes to college entrance tests (入学考试), like the SATs. For these tests, a student needs to fully understand many words and their different uses.
But the good news is that there are better ways to build your English vocabulary.
Vocabulary learning system (系统)
The first thing to do is to develop an organized (有条理的) but easy way of collecting and learning new words. For example, a card system should include the following information:
Word—Simple definition (定义) in English—Phrase or sentence—Related (相关的) words— Synonyms (同义词) and antonyms (反义词) —Chinese meaning on the back of the card.
The good thing about this system is that with a single card, a student can learn not just one word, but a group of related words.
Keep your cards on a removable metal ring, so you can carry them around and add more to your collection every day.
Learn by theme (主题), not alphabet
Experts have found that people understand and remember facts better if they are given in logical (合逻辑的) groups. For example, it is much easier to remember words that are related to each other than it is to remember a list of unrelated words.
Creating lists of words related to common themes—such as friendship, family, wealth, poverty, careers, sciences—will be much easier to learn and remember than collecting words related only by their first letters.
1. Why is English learning a challenge to non-native speakers, according to the writer?| A．English grammar is different from Chinese grammar. |
| B．English has the largest vocabulary among languages. |
| C．It’s difficult for them to understand the logic of the language. |
| D．Many English words have different meanings and usages. |
| A．Their method of learning English vocabulary is poor. |
| B．They think there’s no need to learn a large vocabulary. |
| C．They do not work hard enough to increase their vocabulary. |
| D．They find it hard to communicate with native speakers. |
| A．American college students have a vocabulary of more than 15,000 words on average. |
| B．Memorization of words is of little help in learning English. |
| C．Students should not use Chinese when they memorize English words. |
| D．SATs examiners look out for how well Chinese students understand English words. |
