UNIT 8: NEW WAYS TO LEARN
Reading : Digital English
What are the students doing?
1. Students are using smartphones and tablets to study English and do projects in the classroom.
2. I think we are going to read about using electronic devices to study.
Vocabulary
- Digital (a) /ˈdɪdʒɪtl/
- Recognition (n) /ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃn/
- Portable (a) /ˈpɔːrtəbl/
- Applications/ Apps = Software programmes
Match each of the words or phrases with its meaning.
1. instruction
2. effective
3. voice recognition
4. portable
5. media player
6. application/ app
A. The ability of a divice or programme to understand a human voice
B. A software programme designed to do a particular job
C. Detailed information on how to do or use something
D. Producing a successful result
E. Easy to carry or to move
F. A device that stores and plays sound and pictures
Answer: 1-c
2-d
3-a
4-e
5-f
6-b
ACTIVITY 1: Quickly read the text. Choose the best title for it.
a. Advanced Electronic Devices
b. New Ways to Learn English
c. Software Programmes
In the age of technology, you can take advantage of new applications which are very useful for learning English.
One way is to download free digital lessons and put them in your media player or other similar mobile devices. Then you can listen and study anywhere because these devices are portable
Many devices offer apps which use voice recognition technology. This technology allows the use of speaking electronic dictionaries. You I can see words on the screen and hear them spoken. Other devices may have word lists, exercises, tests and games.
There is also software that can help improve your pronunciation. You can choose to practise with different native English speakers. Some English learning software offers a choice of accents and genders of the speakers. This software can be used with different kinds of media players.
Many electronic mobile devices can work as recorders or cameras. They can be used to record real-life English speech, lessons, songs or English language films from television or the Internet. This is also an excellent way to learn English because these recordings can be used again and again.
New technology opens new ways to learn. Choose a device that suits your learning style. This will make learning English easier, faster, more effective and more enjoyable.
ACTIVITY 1: Quickly read the text. Choose the best title for it.
a. Advanced Electronic Devices
b. New Ways to Learn English
c. Software Programmes
ACTIVITY 2: Read the text again. Choose the correct answer.
1. How convenient are digital lessons?
A. We can study anywhere.
B. We can download them in mobile.
C. We can download them in mobile devices and study anywhere.
D. It can be downloaded freely.
2. Speaking electronic dictionaries allow you to ____.
A. see words on the screen.
B. hear them spoken.
C. have tests, exercises and games.
D. see words on the screen and hear them spoken.
3. Soft wares help improve the pronunciation because we can choose__________.
A. to practice with native English speakers of different accents & genders.
B. to listen to native speakers.
C. to record English films.
D. to listen English songs.
4. Which of the following statements is Not True ?
Mobile devices can work as recorders or cameras because they can ______________.
A. record real-life English speech.
B. help improve your pronunciation
C. record English language films from TV or Internet.
D. record lessons, songs.
5. You need to choose a device that suits your learning style because it is ________.
A. easier and faster B. more effective
C. more effective and more enjoyable
D. A & C are correct.
ACTIVITY 3: Work in groups to discuss the two questions
1. What electronic devices can help you for studying English ?
2. How can school students use these devices ?
Smartphone, laptop, tablet, recorder, …
Practice listening skills, pronunciation; take notes; look up newwords; download and store information; …