CCSP English Minute 6

CCSP English Minute

Aulas curtas de inglês, duas vezes por semana (2ªs e 5ªs), exclusivamente no Clubeonline

Aula desta segunda-feira, 24 de março

FIVE WAYS TO LEARN ENGLISH WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR COMPUTER

Let’s face it (vamos encarar a realidade). How much free time do you REALLY have to study English? I’m guessing (estou chutando) not much. However, you are reading this column, and that’s a good sign! It means that you want to improve your skills (habilidades) in the language. Então vamos lá! Here are five ways to learn English without even leaving your computer (sem nem mesmo sair do seu computador).

(Listed in parentheses are the areas in which you will improve: LISTENING, SPEAKING, READING or WRITING.)

#1 – SUBSCRIBE TO THE MERRIAM-WEBSTER YOUTUBE PAGE (LISTENING)

This exercise takes as much time as you spend watching Porta dos Fundos, but it’s much more educational. Visit the Merriam-Webster YouTube page once or twice a week to learn something new about the language.

Also visit http://www.merriam-webster.com whenever you have a question about the meaning or pronunciation of a word or expression. In my opinion, this is the best online dictionary for American English.

#2 – Start a Twitter account in English (WRITING)

If you work at an ad agency, you can bet (você pode apostar) that people outside of Brazil will want to hear what you’ve been up to (o que você anda fazendo) – especially with the World Cup and the Olympics just around the corner (prestes a acontecer). So why not start a Twitter account in English and practice with short, 140-character messages? It’s easy and it’s good publicity!

#3 – “Friend” a gringo on Facebook (READING)

Whenever you travel or meet somebody from abroad, make sure to “friend” them on Facebook. Your goal should be to get as much English as possible on your Facebook wall.

#4 – Warm-up on Skype (SPEAKING)

If you’re about to have a conference call in English, do a warm-up (aquecimento) on Skype with somebody you know who speaks English. This will get your tongue loosened (relaxada) and your ears tuned (sintonizados) to the language.

#5 – Tune in to a far-away radio station (LISTENING)

Nowadays, on the internet, it’s easy to listen to streaming feeds of just about any major radio station in the world. When you’re on the computer and want music in the background, tune in to an English-language station and practice your listening skills – even if it’s only subconsciously.

Espie a aula anterior aqui.

Conheça o site de Jason Bermingham: www.vozemingles.com