Learning languages

1.a/Match each job with a suitable image :

JOBS Images
1) An air hostess

a)

2) A teacher b)

3) An interpreter c)

4) A tourist guide

d)
5) A hotel receptionist

e)
6) A hotel manager

f)
b/say what all these jobs require?
These jobs require to be good at…………………………………………………………………………………………
these jobs require to be skilled at……………………………………………………………………………………….
2. Which of the words in the box relate to languages? Circle them

learn – vocabulary – crash – sentence – read – communicate – alphabet –

practice – speech – contractor – pronunciation – write – legible – grammar–
 native – phrase – blind – fluently – word – utterance – pain – sound

3. Read the following tips and agree with your partner on the 3 most important tips to learn
a language. Make sure you use the following expressions:
Expressions TIPS TO LEARN A LANGUAGE
• Often listen to the language you’re learning.
– Are you sure …? • Don’t try to remember everything you hear.
– Don’t you think…? • Don’t expect to be fluent overnight.
– In my opinion… • Listen and repeat phrases out loud.
– What about…? • Practice regularly: little and often is better than a long
– I’m afraid I can’t agree with session.
you… • Use different methods of learning: scribble notes for
– You’re right but … example.
• Get your friends to test you.
• Try to guess the meaning of a new word. Does it sound like a
word you
already know?
a) What makes some languages easier than others?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

b) Which language do you think is the hardest?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5. Mach the words with synonyms:
Words Synonyms
Legible During the night/ for the night
Native language Become proficient in/become expert in/to know
very well
Fluently write illegibly
Overnight original, first language
Scribble Common/ well-known
Familiar Difficult /complicated
to master Easily
Tricky Lots of
Plenty of Readable (you can read it)
6. writing: write a short paragraph about the benefits of learning languages
Decide on three reasons for learning languages and use these as the basis for the
organisation of your talk:
 For travel ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 For work ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 For personal development
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 To make conversation
 To make yourself understood ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 To master another language ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 To overcome communication barriers ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 To get an insight into another culture ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 To broaden cultural understanding
 To increase job opportunities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 To improve your career prospects ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 Personal fulfillment/satisfaction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 To expand your mind ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 To broaden your horizons
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 To form friendships
 To enrich your knowledge ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 Cross-cultural communication ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………….