Learning English can sometimes seem like a difficult thing to do—the grammar can be very confusing and spoken English seems to be changing all the time. But, it is not as hard as it seems and the most important thing for any learner to achieve is confidence with the language. If students are nervous about using English or worried about making mistakes, they won’t feel like practicing, and without practice they cannot make progress. General English courses aim to give students that confidence. Whether students are complete beginners or advanced learners, schools want them to be confident about using English by the time they finish their course. To do this, schools have developed General English courses which combine a range of different teaching methods.
In class, teachers encourage students to work together so that they can practice new words and grammar. They always try and make this classwork interesting and fun. Many schools are equipped with language laboratories and libraries where students can work on their own with audio tapes, video and computers. And outside the classroom, the learning continues, where students are meeting together socially, visiting local attractions, or at home with a host family.
Most schools offer General English courses which are either part time—usually 15 hours per week or full time, which can be as much as 40 hours. This type of course is available all year round. Students can normally start a General English courses every Monday , and can study for as long as they like. Other types of General English courses may last a minimum umber of days or weeks. Some of the most popular General English courses are available during the summer holiday period. These are usually part time, and schools organize social activities for students in their free time. Some schools offer special activities like sports.
General English courses also give students the chance to discover new parts of Britain. With so many schools offering this type of course, students can go almost anywhere, and while they are studying, they will have a chance to explore the countryside or towns and meet local people. Wherever they go in Britain, they are assured high quality courses.
1．If English learners are nervous about using English, ____.
A．they won’t feel like practicing B．they won’t go to English
C．they won’t go to any language class D．they won’t talk to teachers
2．Teachers help students practice new words and grammar in class by means of _ _.
A．encouraging students to work together
B．trying and making the classwork interesting and fun
C．making students speak in English all the time
D．both A and B
3．We can learn about the types of General English courses offered by schools from the passage. We can attend ____.
A．part time courses—usually 15 hours a week
B．full time courses—up to 40 hours a week
C．courses of a few days or a few weeks
D．all of the above
4．Which of the following is NOT true?
A．General English courses help students practice English not only in the classroom but also outside the classroom.
B．We can learn from the passage that there are many schools offering General English courses across Britain.
C．General English courses are designed for beginners of English as a second language.
D．The aim of General English courses is to make students confident about using English.