Dear class!

Here are some tips from a workshop titled "How to Speak up in Class - Tips for Second Language Speakers of English" which I attended a couple of days ago at the university:

First of all, convince yourself that you MUST speak in class. Make a deal with yourself to try to speak once in every class session. Here are some suggestions to do this:

Before Class:

- Preview the chapter or course outline, look at the vocabulary and take time to explore what you think about this topic...

- Think to yourself, "If asked about this, I could say this and this". Make a little plan (one or two phrases or sentences) of what you could say.


In Class:

- Keep track of what is being said by siting up front, listening intently.

- Take the opportunity to answer when you can - and be quick to spaeking, otherwise someone else says it!

- To enter a discussion, rephrase what someone else has said as a way to being what you want to talk about.


When listening or working during class:

- When you don't understand certain expressions or slang in conversation, simply say, "I didn't catch that, what does it mean?". People should be happy to explain it to you!

- Join in class discussion no matter how scared you feel! Learn to interrupt a discussion by saying: "Excuse me, do you mean...?" or, "I can't follow you, could you explain it in another way?"

-Don't worry too much about making mistakes. If you are too sensitive about making mistakes and trying to convey information perfectly, mostlikely you'll take too long to say something and your listeners may lose interest.

And always remember, the more you try, the easier it will become...
Wishing you success!

see? Concordia is one of the best universities! you can learn many things with chinese students

hi to all

im new co-worker
how r u?
i want learn english in this site cuz that is so important for my life
ok?
thank u

The right word for شکسته نفسي AFAIK is modesty. The adjective is modest, and the commonly used antonym is cocky.
I doubt if one can learn spoken English by studying. You have to be in the environment. However, watching movies is definitely helpful.

I think for the most of guys, who are in Iran now, gaining an outstanding TOEFL score, is more essential than be familiar with correct spoken english. However, a good TOEFL score needs effort and following some tips and its is not directly regarded to english language proficiency.
It will be highly appreciated, if Omid and Mehdi give us guidelines for TOEFL or GRE examination.

Excuse me for my miserable composition!