Black Friday: A Busy Shopping Day

Listen to this topic and share your comments.

Randall


Here are some listening activities from my Web sites on shopping:

- http://esl-lab.com/shop1/shoprd1.htm
- http://esl-lab.com/flea/fleard1.htm
- http://www.trainyouraccent.com/a-online-shopping.htm

Keys to a Successful Relationship

Listen to this topic and share your ideas.

Randall



Then, listen to this conversation on my Web site. What quality would help the man in his relationship with his wife?

- http://www.esl-lab.com/anniversary/anniversaryrd1.htm

Mastering a Language

Although many students focus on just passing language tests and classes, the same students often don't focus on mastering a language. In other words, mastering a language means that a person has almost complete control over a language (let's say at the 90% level) verses just being able to get language right 75% of the time. Language mastery requires a lot of work, practice, and dedication. It also requires a constant recycling of the language structures students have learned previously.

In your case, what strategies, techniques, or activities have you used to improve your language skills?

Randall

Social Networking Sites

Listening to this recording and share your ideas on the topic.

Randall

How to Become the Ideal Learner

Most learners focus most of their time on learning language skills, including grammar, writing, and reading, without regard to other equally important aspects. Too often, I have seen students who have learned a great deal about the language, but lack the cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with people. Someone once said that a person who speaks a language, but doesn't know the culture is a fluent fool.

Unfortunately, most students don't fully realize that they don't live in a vacuum. In other words, they often don't realize that culture and language go hand in hand. You can't divorce the two. As you learn the culture of another people, you become a more effective communicator and a more sensitive person overall.

How do you feel about this?

Randall

Freedom: What does it mean to you?

The word "freedom" might have different meanings to different people. Personally, I enjoy the freedoms I enjoy of being able to express my personal views in public and the freedom to disagree with local and national political leaders if I feel policy needs to be changed. I also enjoy being able to walk down the street and enter into any church---even if it isn't of my own faith---and talk freely and learn from people of other religions whether I agree or disagree with their beliefs.

So, what does freedom mean to you? Please share your ideas.

Randall