A letter which was written back in 1992 that changed my perception in learning English. It was also this teacher that gave me the hope to continue on whenever I fall. Thank you Mr Kang.
Dear Jean,
Don’t treat learning English as a subject. It is like Chinese, Malay etc or any other languages.
Use it everytime you can. Don’t be shy or frightened of many mistakes or not speaking clearly at all. Look at me using Mandarin. To improve in your English you must: -
1. Use it. Speak it, read it, listen to it as often as you can.
2.Be conscious/aware of English at all times. Don’t worry about mistakes. If you know you’re making mistakes, that’s a very good point – because you can correct them. Each time you correct ONE mistake, you have one Less to worry about.
3. Always speak good English. Don’t use Singlish (local bad English). Get rid of the dialect or other expressions like – lah, ahh, don’t know what, see lat, etc.
4. When you read, you’re expressing yourself to good English – proper sentences, tenses etc and vocabulary. Read constantly and be aware of what you’re reading. You’ll improve
5. OPEN your thoughts to things happening everyday around you or everywhere in the world. You’re picking up ideas, expressions, thoughts, opinions etc. – very essential for expression your own and especially in Compo writing (creative writing)
6. THINK English – Don’t translate from Mandarin to English – you will make a lot of mistakes (very serious ones) So think and express yourself in English
7. Practice makes perfect
get some assessment books (I’ll recommend some to you if you want) and consciously do all the exercises. You’ll improve not only in using good English but also your vocabulary.
Get a dictionary to help you
8. Start a diary. Write your thoughts, experiences, feelings, opinions, views etc. daily, you’ll improve
Write friendly letters to friends/classmates(it’s different from talking to them)
There’s a few more tips, but if you really want to improve follow my tips above which will help you tremendously. It’s not difficult if you only try.
I’ll always be around in school to help you and others if you(or anyone) ONLY have to ask.
There are other teachers too to help remember. So, start NOW! This minute!
Enjoy your holiday. Have a nice time. Take care and all the best in 1993 and the years to come.
Mr Kang. HIHS 92
