READING! improve your READING!

Hi everyone,

We just finished a module.  One of the tests you had was your reading test.  If you didn't do as well as you wanted, then this post is for YOU!

Of course, the best way to improve your reading ability is to read.  However, that doesn't always help you on reading tests.  When we read, we don't always have to answer specific questions about the reading, right?  For example, when I read, it's usually for fun or information.  I don't have to choose a, b, c, or d...

However, on the reading test, you do!  Therefore, I've put together a list of what I believe are some of the best free websites to help you practice and prepare for reading tests.

Read Theory - This one is my favorite. It's free and adjusts to your level.  Everyone should be doing this!!!

My English Pages - A special page for English language learners with lots of different texts.

100 Essays - These are mainly American, but provide some good practice.

5 Minute English - Again, lots of different reading exercises for English language learning.

Reading Labs - University of Victoria reading exercises.  Lots of different levels.

University of Illinois - Lots of different kinds of exercises (not only reading)

Teacher Phil English - This is a Youtube site which has some really good explanations of Wikipedia readings.

*edit*

I'm adding two additional sites to this post:

Literacy Net Reading Resources - a great collection on many different topics.

VOA Learning English - This combines reading and listening on current news stories.


Remember, to improve your reading skills and raise your score, you have to read a lot.  Read every day!

Happy Reading!

Listening Test - Improve Your Score

Each module, we have a listening test.  It's important for you to do well on this as it is a good sign that you are ready to listen to lectures in English in the university.

Remember:

1. Read questions first
2. Notice key words
3. Expect tricks (somebody gives an answer and then changes it...)
4. Think about overall meaning
5. Don't leave any unanswered questions

How can you improve?

• Listen A LOT!!! Practice!
• http://www.ieltsbuddy.com/ielts-listening-test.html
• http://www.ipassielts.com/ielts_training/free_practice/listening/
• Learn synonyms (Link)
• Watch online videos with subtitles
• BBC's Flatmates
• Youtube CrashCourse (turn on subtitles)
• Sign up for EnglishCentral (they have an app too!)
• Check out University of Illinois resources
• Listen to Podcasts
• HERE is a list of some of the best
• use iTunes or BeyondPod (android app) to find these
• Watch TV with subtitles
• find out how HERE

There are many ways for you to improve your overall Listening ability in a short time.  You just have to use them regularly.  If you do, you WILL improve!

Looking to improve your grammar?

We're always looking for chances to improve...

And of course, as EAP students, we need to improve our grammar.  One of the best sites for doing so is called QUILL.

It has many cool features for practicing grammar and writing...

If you are interested, just do the following:

1) sign up at quill.org.account/new
2) sign up in the "Join My Class" field.  Use the class code "LincolnEAP"

Academic Phrase Bank

Hi everyone,

Patrick would like to share the Academic Phrase Bank with you.

This is a great resource that can help you achieve specific functions in your writing.  Please USE IT!

Thanks Patrick!

Making a Transition...

In today's class we were talking about transitional phrases.

These are important words as they help the reader to understand the information they are reading and also increase the cohesion of our writing.

In other words, these words make it easier to READ!

First, here's a link to some more transitional phrases:
MSU

Second, here's a link to some practice pages for these kinds of expressions:
Study Guides and Strategies
Mr. Koochoff's Transition words Quiz
Quizlet
ToLearnEnglish

Cheers!

Great Video for Making Friends

Writing About Climate Change - Introductions

In today's writing class we started writing about climate change.

I have written two introductions for this.  The first introduction follows this format:

• Background
• Thesis Statement
• Outline

Over the past 50 years the threat of global climate change has become a worsening reality.  Its effects continue to be reported and discussed and people are worried about its effects on certain industries.  This essay will discuss the effects of global climate change and show how it will have a significant negative impact on agriculture.  This will be seen, firstly by discussing the global reality of climate change and then, examining its effects on livestock in the U.S.A.

Background

Thesis Statement

Outline

The second introduction follows this format:

• Paraphrase Question
• Thesis Statement
• Outline

Global warming is changing the weather in many countries.  These changes have many effects on farming and crops all over the globe. This essay will discuss the effects of global climate change and show how it will have a significant negative impact on agriculture.  This will be seen, firstly by discussing the global reality of climate change and then, examining its effects on livestock in the U.S.A.

Paraphrase Question

Thesis Statement

Outline

Welcome!

I will use this blog to update my EAP students at Lincoln University on different learning opportunities.  I will also share content that is related to our classes.

I hope you find this helpful!

Daryl