Hello everybody! I'm a beginner here . Sorry if I did anything wrong . Okay i need help on
my english exam. How do i improve on english? On reading, should i check
the dictionary for EVERY word I didn't know or guess them?If i keep checking the
dictionary then I get fed up with reading.
Thank you for your help !
Hi,
Welcome!
What kind of exam, is it comprehension?
It is a good start for you to check each unfamiliar word with a dictionary. However, the dictionary may give different meanings of a word, so you will have to decide which fits the meaning of that word used in the passage you are reading. It will be useful for you to write down in a notebook those unfamiliar words, their meanings and examples of their usage for own reference.
Hope these pointers help, jiayou and continue to improve!
Cheers,
Wen Shih
Originally posted by wee_ws:
Hi,
Welcome!
What kind of exam, is it comprehension?
It is a good start for you to check each unfamiliar word with a dictionary. However, the dictionary may give different meanings of a word, so you will have to decide which fits the meaning of that word used in the passage you are reading. It will be useful for you to write down in a notebook those unfamiliar words, their meanings and examples of their usage for own reference.
Hope these pointers help, jiayou and continue to improve!
Cheers,
Wen Shih
Thank you! Well, it is the composition, comprehension and stuff. By the way, I am in secondary one this year , but my english grade was BAD. But is there any faster way or more efficient way to improve? And I thought that when you keep checking dictionary it's like a killjoy to reading (to me,at least)
Anw,thank you!
Hi,
1. Read (quickly, joyfully) to get an initial idea.
2. Read again (closely) to highlight unfamiliar words.
3. Refer to the dictionary for their meanings and see if you could replace the original words in the passage with those meanings found.
The more you carry out these steps, the more you become efficient in mastering english.
One more advice: more haste, less speed :) It takes some time to strengthen one's command of language.
Cheers,
Wen Shih
I find reading the newspapers works for me because it's shorter than books, straight to the point and the words can be utilized widely.
With regards to the dictionary, I have a habit to just assume the meaning and continue reading. Only after I can make out the gist of the chapter do I go back to find out the exact meaning.
Also, if you're writing reports using MS Word, just opening the thesaurus option can help in expanding your vocabulary.
Watch more British programmes. Reason I mentioned British is because the English (in our education) in Singapore is based on British context. Speak to people with good English. If possible, speak to the native speakers. You will benefit a lot.
I get what you mean on checking the dictionary while reading. I was a fanatic for English , checked every word I did not know whenever I read. End result was I lost interest in reading. On the positive note, it helped me improved on my knowledge of vocabulary.
Getting yourself a good dictionary is important. I recommend Collins Cobuild for Advanced learners.
Originally posted by wee_ws:Hi,
1. Read (quickly, joyfully) to get an initial idea.
2. Read again (closely) to highlight unfamiliar words.
3. Refer to the dictionary for their meanings and see if you could replace the original words in the passage with those meanings found.
The more you carry out these steps, the more you become efficient in mastering english.
One more advice: more haste, less speed :) It takes some time to strengthen one's command of language.
Cheers,
Wen Shih
Thank you! Now I understand better . Thanks once again :)
Originally posted by TheTechOne:
How do i improve on english?
Your primary school chinese school or english school?
Originally posted by Dalforce 1941:Your primary school chinese school or english school?
English . I'm not chinese hehe :)
Originally posted by Toiletries:I find reading the newspapers works for me because it's shorter than books, straight to the point and the words can be utilized widely.
With regards to the dictionary, I have a habit to just assume the meaning and continue reading. Only after I can make out the gist of the chapter do I go back to find out the exact meaning.
Also, if you're writing reports using MS Word, just opening the thesaurus option can help in expanding your vocabulary.
Thank you! Will bear the newspaper one in mind :)
Originally posted by Pl cec:Beside reading newspapers, books, Every day make it a point to listen to news on CNA. Not only you will improve your English but also gain good general knowledge .
Thank you . :)
Originally posted by winsomeea:Watch more British programmes. Reason I mentioned British is because the English (in our education) in Singapore is based on British context. Speak to people with good English. If possible, speak to the native speakers. You will benefit a lot.
I get what you mean on checking the dictionary while reading. I was a fanatic for English , checked every word I did not know whenever I read. End result was I lost interest in reading. On the positive note, it helped me improved on my knowledge of vocabulary.
Getting yourself a good dictionary is important. I recommend Collins Cobuild for Advanced learners.
Thank you :) The 2nd and 3rd paragraph is the thing I need :)