What was the biggest challenge you faced while learning English?
7 answers from our tutors
Best answer
The biggest challenge I faced while learning English was understanding and using different tenses correctly. It took time to get used to the various rules and exceptions.
Learning phrasal verbs. There are dozens of them per each verb.
Phrasal verbs. I didn't know how to use them correctly.
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I'm spanish teacher so when I was learning spanish the first hard things and complicated was listen to native english speakers and understand. I think that is the same things now then something that you can do is practice and talk every class with your student
The most challenging this is writing and reading. You can understand and speak. You can learn grammar rules. Writing and reading are the most challenging skills to develop.
pronunciation was such a heavy load especially differentiating different words which sounds the same.
Juggling english idioms while being multilingual can be a rollercoaster...notably being one hell of a ride. I had to " bark up the wrong tree" with a dog trainer, "break a leg" with my first aid kit being out of sight and facing the daily quirks of this language, when I had to relay the knowledge to others and I have often felt like an imposter, particularly when I realised that this language is not easy to grasp or to teach. As a messanger(teacher), am i passing-on(teaching) the right message? Did my students really grasp the essence of my teachings or they've left multiple lessons way more confused that before they met me and just shrugged it off in shock and distaste?
Other student questions
- What is the most common mistake that you see beginners make when learning English?
It’s very common to make mistakes when you start learning English. What’s the most common mistake (grammatical, speaking, etc) that you have seen with beginner students? How did you correct them?
Best answer
I think beginners of any language translate every word or sentence in their minds. This translation method takes long time to learn any language. They should focus on rather core skills of language; ie. reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- Hey Guys!!!! Does anyone know if it is possible to learn chinese here?
I was thinking to take a little course
Best answer
Not so genius, but this has worked with my Asian and Latino students: Substitute all "Th-" in words with a "D-", as it is an easier starting point e.g. instead of "The", ask them to say De(almost like a form of pidgin english: de boi VS the boy). Its a matter of throat to tongue, where sounds with "T" and "D" are easier to begin with and then you will gradually progress to the "Th-" sounds as the find confindence and comfort. You could always tell them to pretend they are blowing out candles on a birthday cake; and for the "Th" sound their tongue should gently touch their teeth, like in words like "Thin" or "This". Have them practice the not so elated soft "Th" sound-- its like their tongue is having a short siesta on their teeth! Such a mental jounery and lots of creativity will get you through a lot of pronounciation hurdles.
