This day would have been perfect only if it weren’t for the heat. The effects of global warming, according to the latest report, are already being felt. Weather patterns have been observed to have changed as we speak consequently affecting the seasons, the temperature, the sea levels, the supply of water, the different and already fragile ecosystems of the planet, and the very existence of humankind. No clear end is in sight unless man changes his ways and becomes more conscious of the relationship of his actions and its effects on the planet.
If only not for my horse…
My proper training in English started when I was around 17. I say proper because I was never that keen and conscious of my English skills, or the lack of it, when I was in Elementary, in High School, and even during my early college days. I always thought that my English was superb until I became the butt of jokes at the radio station. Nevertheless, it was a good lesson. Painful, funny I might add, but a very good lesson. You might wonder how I must have gotten out of that painful experience. Here’s what I did:
1. Accepted the fact that I lacked good English communication skills.
2. I visualized what I could become if my English was way better.
3. Practice, Practice, and more Relentless Practice.
Awareness is a good thing. It keeps our eyes fixed on the prize that we aim to receive. My awareness of my poor skills made me appreciate the value of visualization – of imagining, feeling, and having a picture in my mind of how it would feel once my skills have improved. It helped me and it continues to do so up to this very moment in my quest to acquire better English communication skills.
Practice was the tough part. Yet, it was the most fun part of learning. Try this:
Name of English exercise: Word Play
How to do:
1. Think of any word that is easy to picture or imagine.
Example: coffee
2. Identify words, at least ten words, which are easily related or pictured with the word you chose. In this example it’s coffee. If ten words are too much, 5 words are ok.
Example: cookie, mug, morning, meetings, breakfast, sugar, cream, spoon, aroma, hot (water)
3. Imagine each word/picture. Feel the unique characteristics of each word/picture.
Imagine how great a cookie looks, smells, and tastes. Imagine your coffee mug, its color, texture, and its weight when you hold it. Imagine the look of delight on your co-workers faces when coffee is served in a meeting…
4. From your imagination of the words, make a sentence for each. Simply put, just put your imagination into words.
Example:
Coffee makes my morning perfect
My breakfast is not complete without a warm cup of Joe (coffee)
I like my coffee black. Sugar and cream are for wimps.
My favorite mug is a gift from my wife.
Do you prefer using chopsticks or do you prefer spoon and fork?
The day is terribly hot.
You don’t have to come up with long and complex sentences. Simple sentences are ok for this exercise.
Remember that the point of this exercise is to get our brains to think in English, and to exercise our tongues to speak in English. If you are skilled enough to make long and complex sentences, then I suggest you do that. On the other hand, if you feel that you are more comfortable with making simple sentences, go ahead. The important part here is the practice that this exercise gives us. As it had been said again and again, practice makes perfect
And practice I hope you will. Starting a new habit always seems difficult at the start. Yet, once you’ve done the first few steps, you’ll be looking forward to making more progress.
I hope this exercise helps a lot in your quest to become better in English. It would be nice to hear from you how this simple exercise helped you in any way. Let’s share with other learners how you are able to apply this exercise as a regular part of your life. I’m sure your experience can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to others who share our passion in learning English.
Thank you for taking the time to read. I really appreciate it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll have to go out and plant a tree.
If only not for my horse…
.
If only not for my horse…
My proper training in English started when I was around 17. I say proper because I was never that keen and conscious of my English skills, or the lack of it, when I was in Elementary, in High School, and even during my early college days. I always thought that my English was superb until I became the butt of jokes at the radio station. Nevertheless, it was a good lesson. Painful, funny I might add, but a very good lesson. You might wonder how I must have gotten out of that painful experience. Here’s what I did:
1. Accepted the fact that I lacked good English communication skills.
2. I visualized what I could become if my English was way better.
3. Practice, Practice, and more Relentless Practice.
Awareness is a good thing. It keeps our eyes fixed on the prize that we aim to receive. My awareness of my poor skills made me appreciate the value of visualization – of imagining, feeling, and having a picture in my mind of how it would feel once my skills have improved. It helped me and it continues to do so up to this very moment in my quest to acquire better English communication skills.
Practice was the tough part. Yet, it was the most fun part of learning. Try this:
Name of English exercise: Word Play
How to do:
1. Think of any word that is easy to picture or imagine.
Example: coffee
2. Identify words, at least ten words, which are easily related or pictured with the word you chose. In this example it’s coffee. If ten words are too much, 5 words are ok.
Example: cookie, mug, morning, meetings, breakfast, sugar, cream, spoon, aroma, hot (water)
3. Imagine each word/picture. Feel the unique characteristics of each word/picture.
Imagine how great a cookie looks, smells, and tastes. Imagine your coffee mug, its color, texture, and its weight when you hold it. Imagine the look of delight on your co-workers faces when coffee is served in a meeting…
4. From your imagination of the words, make a sentence for each. Simply put, just put your imagination into words.
Example:
Coffee makes my morning perfect
My breakfast is not complete without a warm cup of Joe (coffee)
I like my coffee black. Sugar and cream are for wimps.
My favorite mug is a gift from my wife.
Do you prefer using chopsticks or do you prefer spoon and fork?
The day is terribly hot.
You don’t have to come up with long and complex sentences. Simple sentences are ok for this exercise.
Remember that the point of this exercise is to get our brains to think in English, and to exercise our tongues to speak in English. If you are skilled enough to make long and complex sentences, then I suggest you do that. On the other hand, if you feel that you are more comfortable with making simple sentences, go ahead. The important part here is the practice that this exercise gives us. As it had been said again and again, practice makes perfect
And practice I hope you will. Starting a new habit always seems difficult at the start. Yet, once you’ve done the first few steps, you’ll be looking forward to making more progress.
I hope this exercise helps a lot in your quest to become better in English. It would be nice to hear from you how this simple exercise helped you in any way. Let’s share with other learners how you are able to apply this exercise as a regular part of your life. I’m sure your experience can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to others who share our passion in learning English.
Thank you for taking the time to read. I really appreciate it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll have to go out and plant a tree.
If only not for my horse…
.
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