Short report
epthe
For this task we had to write letters to your partner, my partner for this task was Lisa ( lisavellesan.wordpress.com ). I think it was nice to work with Lisa because we are the same level with skills so we can learn from each other. I mostly got feedback on my typos because sometimes I want to type too fast and then I make my typo mistakes. I didn't get that much commentary on my grammar which I think is pretty good because sometimes I have some trouble with grammar. I think me and Lisa both have learned something from each other so that's cool.
My 6 questions are:
How can I improve my punctuations ?
I think the best way to improve my punctuations is to read a lot. When you read a lot you read a lot of punctuations and after you've read a piece you could look at when and where the commas,full stops etc. have to be. Another thing could be writing. You could write something and get it checked by your teacher or somebody else who's good at this kind of things. The last thing that could help is to go look at some sites with grammar like http://www.english-at-home.com/business/improving-your-punctuation/ and do some grammar exercises if they are available.
How can I improve my pronunciation?
The best way to improve pronunciation is to just talk English. You can talk to your family, friends are just pets or in the mirror. You could record yourself when you're talking and listen to yourself and then correct yourself. I think everybody can talk comprehensible English but that pronunciation has something to to with insecurity. When I speak English with my friends I ain't nervous or insecure about my pronunciation but when I have to talk in front of a class or teacher I can't even say a sentence without thinking that I'm being judged or something. Okay but back to the question how to improve your pronunciation. Another thing is listen to English music ( which we all do of course) and watch series with English subtitles and look at the word and listen to how they say the word.
How can I improve my listening skills?
I think that you can improve your listening skills the best by watching English spoken shows or movies without subtitles and to listen what they say and what the things that they say mean. I think the best things to watch are news channels like CNN or radio channels as the BBC. You could also look for sites that have listening exercises so you can practice for a test.
How can I improve my writing skills?
I think the best way to improve your writing skills is to just write a lot. You could keep a diary or find a pen pal so you can learn how to write to different people. Maybe you can let your pen pal correct your grammer so you can learn from your mistakes!
Proverbs/sayings
I think it's important to know some of the typical english sayings because it helps with your speaking when you're in a English-speaking country. The top 5 most used sayings are:
1."Two wrongs don't make a right."
When someone has done something bad to you, trying to get revenge will only make things worse.
2."The pen is mightier than the sword." Trying to convince people with ideas and words is more effective than trying to force people to do what you want.
3."When in Rome, do as the Romans."
Act the way that the people around you are acting. This phrase might come in handy when you're traveling abroad notice that people do things differently than you're used to.
4."The squeaky wheel gets the grease."
You can get better service if you complain about something. If you wait patiently, no one's going to help you.
5. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."
Strong people don't give up when they come across challenges. They just work harder.
How can I expand my vocabulary?
Same answer again, you have to read a lot and watch series or movies. An important thing is to read and watch things that are above your level because if you read or watch things under your lever you’ll learn nothing. When you spot a word that you don’t know you can look it up in the dictionary or on google translate and there you go, you’ve learned a new word
A summary of the grammar that I’ve learned
Adjectives are words that describe or modify another person or thing in the sentence. The Articles — a, an, and the — are adjectives.
•the tall professor
•the lugubrious lieutenant
• a solid commitment
Articles: There are only three articles: the, a and an. There is a rule for using an or a. When you have a word like ‘live’ it starts consonant. When the word starts with a consonant you have the use a if not, use an. with a Use of an article can also change the meaning of the noun:
dinner = the evening meal
a dinner = an evening meal held for some kind of event
the dinner = a specific evening meal which was held for some kind of event
The simple present tense
The simple present tense is used for two main types of action:
Habits: Actions which happen regularly (for example, every day or every week)
States: Things which do not often change (for example, opinions and conditions)
Examples
It rains a lot in The Netherlands. This means that it rains often.
Chris always talks about his family. “Always” means this is a habit.