GUIA READING 1

INSTITUTO ASUNCIÓN DE QUERÉTARO

Secondary          READING  LEVEL 1          2012-2013

5^th Period  GUIDE   -    Reading 1     

NAME:________________________________________               DATE:_______ 

Learning a language on your own

The best way to learn a language is to go to the country where people speak the language. Study there, work there ... live the language! However, not everyone can go abroad to study. Attending a language school at home can also be expensive. So, what should you do if you want to teach yourself?

First, get an audio course. It is important to hear the language spoken. They can be expensive, so try your local library. Borrow any courses they have. Find one you like. Listen to the CDs every day. Make studying part of your daily routine. You can play an audio course while you are doing something else ... reading email, cleaning, getting dressed ... Listening to the language is essential. Unlike listening to the radio, an audio course builds up your knowledge in careful steps.

Then, get a textbook. Whatever the language, you will probably find a huge selection. Don't just focus on grammar. That's just one part of learning a language. Get a textbook that is designed for self-study. Do the exercises, and keep practicing. Check the Internet for practice exercises as well. Be careful - some sites are much better than others. If you like learning via computer, then you could get some software. It's more interactive than audio CDs. You can watch video clips and try different fun exercises. Some software courses can be expensive, so maybe get one on an Internet auction site.

There are many other things you can do to help you improve. Write useful words and phrases on small cards. Take them with you when you leave the house. Look at them regularly throughout the day. This will help you remember. Or make your own phrasebook of useful things you want to study. It's important to study every day. That is the key to success!