Tina completed the first TOEIC test online and reviewed answers, focusing on unfamiliar vocabulary like "inquiries", "laundromat", and "salute". She looked up new words in the Longman dictionary and made a list. Her goal was to retake the listening section after reviewing to improve comprehension.

1. Self-paced English Learning Project Report<br />Submitted by<br />Ting-Yu Tsai (Tina)<br />Department of Information Management<br />Student ID # 964003003<br />Prepared for<br />Ms. Grace Liu<br />National Central University<br />June 12, 2011<br />Table of Contents<br />Self-paced English Learning Syllabus……………………3<br />Revised Syllabus………………………………………….6<br />Revised Syllabus version 2……………………………….9<br />Self-paced Learning Weekly Report<br />Weekly Report 1………………………………...……….…...12<br />Weekly Report 2………………………………...…………....14<br />Weekly Report 3………………………………...…………....16<br />Weekly Report 4………………………………...…………....18<br />Weekly Report 5………………………………...…………....20<br />Weekly Report 6………………………………...…………....22<br />Weekly Report 7………………………………...…………....24<br />Weekly Report 8………………………………...…………....26<br />Weekly Report 9………………………………...…………....28<br />Weekly Report 10………………………………...………......30<br />Final Evaluation…………………………………...…….32<br />Self-paced English Learning Syllabus<br />Self-paced English Learning SyllabusInstructor: Grace LiuStudent: Tina TsaiGoals: 1. To get 900 points in the TOEIC test2. To improve my speaking, listening, and reading abilities.Objectives:Speaking:To express myself fluently without much obvious searching for expressions.Listening: To improve Top-down Processing and Bottom-up Processing skillsReading: To improve reading rateTo practice the skill of “guessing meaning from context” Materials used: 1. BBC Learning English2. Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course3. American Rhetoric 4. Book in Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” 5. Longman Dictionary (or other English-English dictionaries) Activities:Listening: (use mp3 player)Do the Listening Part of “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course”Listen to “6 Minute English” on “BBC Learning English”Listen to or Watch videos of “Online Speech Bank” on “American Rhetoric”Reading:Read “Harry Potter” in Reading CornerRead articles on “BBC Learning English” Read articles on “American Rhetoric”Do the Practice Tests of “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course”Speaking:Repeat after the audio files when listening them on “BBC Learning English” and Summarize them.Repeat after CD when listening to the “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course” and Summarize them.Repeat after the video when watching them on “American Rhetoric”Attend Toastmasters and deliver speechesSchedule:MonTueWedThuFriWeekend“Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course”American Rhetoric OR Rehearsal speechBBC Learning English (Prepare for the speech)Toastmasters meetingEvery week: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” Week 63/28 ~ 4/3TOEIC test #1 on 線上自學測驗平台Correct answers and do the listening part againWeek 74/4 ~ 4/10Adjust self-paced English learning syllabusChoose 1 speech from American Rhetoric (check the list behind)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.1~16)Week 84/11 ~ 4/17Listening part in “Longman…” (point 1 of the list behind)Choose 1 speech from American Rhetoric (check the list behind)BBC Learning English (check the list behind)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.18~57)Week 94/18 ~ 4/24Prepare for the speechListening part in “Longman…”(point 2 of the list behind)Choose 1 speech from American Rhetoric (check the list behind)BBC Learning English (check the list behind)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.58~97)Week 104/25 ~ 5/1Rehearsal the speechLongman Practice Test One & correct answersReading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.98~137)Week 115/2 ~ 5/8Listening part in “Longman…” (point 2 of the list behind)American Rhetoric or BBC Learning EnglishReading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.138~177)Week 125/9 ~ 5/15Midterm Exam Choose 1 speech from American Rhetoric (check the list behind)BBC Learning English (check the list behind)Week 135/16 ~ 5/22Prepare for the speechListening part in “Longman…”(point 3 of the list behind)Choose 1 speech from American Rhetoric(check the list behind)BBC Learning English (check the list behind)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ”(p.178~217)Week 145/23 ~ 5/29Rehearsal the speechLongman Practice Test Two & correct answersReading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.218~257)Week 155/30 ~ 6/5Redo TOEIC test #1 on 線上自學測驗平台Listening part in “Longman…”(point 3 of the list behind)American Rhetoric or BBC Learning EnglishReading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”(p.258~end)<br />Revised Syllabus (red color for correct ones, compared with I)<br />Self-paced English Learning SyllabusInstructor: Grace LiuStudent: Tina TsaiGoals: 1. To get 900 points in the TOEIC test2. To improve my speaking, listening, and reading abilities.Objectives:Speaking: (B1 B2)To express myself fluently without much obvious searching for expressions.Listening: (B2 C1)To improve Top-down Processing and Bottom-up Processing skillsReading: (B2 C1)To improve reading rateTo practice the skill of “guessing meaning from context” Materials used: 1. BBC Learning English2. Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course3. American Rhetoric 4. Novel in Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” 5. Longman Dictionary (or other English-English dictionaries) Activities:Listening: (use mp3 player)Do the Listening Part of “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course”Listen to “6 Minute English” on “BBC Learning English”Listen to or Watch videos of “Online Speech Bank” on “American Rhetoric”Do the Practice Tests of “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course”Reading:Read “Harry Potter” in Reading CornerRead articles on “BBC Learning English” Read articles on “American Rhetoric”Do the Practice Tests of “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course”Speaking:Repeat after the audio files when listening them on “BBC Learning English” and Summarize them.Repeat after CD when listening to the “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course” and Summarize them.Repeat after the video when watching them on “American Rhetoric”Attend Toastmasters and deliver speechesSchedule:MonTueWedThuFriWeekend“Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course”American Rhetoric OR Rehearsal speechBBC Learning English (Prepare for the speech)Toastmasters meetingEvery week: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” Week 63/28 ~ 4/3TOEIC test #1 on 線上自學測驗平台Correct answers and do the listening part againWeek 74/4 ~ 4/10Adjust self-paced English learning syllabus1 speech from American Rhetoric (check the list behind)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.1~16)Week 84/11 ~ 4/17Listening part in “Longman…” (point 1 of the list behind)1 speech from American Rhetoric (check the list behind)BBC Learning English (check the list behind)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.18~57)Week 94/18 ~ 4/24Prepare for the speechListening part in “Longman…”(point 2 of the list behind)1 speech from American Rhetoric (check the list behind)BBC Learning English (check the list behind)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.58~97)Week 104/25 ~ 5/1Rehearsal the speechLongman Practice Test One & correct answersReading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.98~137)Week 115/2 ~ 5/8Listening part in “Longman…” (point 2 of the list behind)American Rhetoric or BBC Learning EnglishReading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.138~177)Week 125/9 ~ 5/15Midterm Exam 1 speech from American Rhetoric (check the list behind)BBC Learning English (check the list behind)Week 135/16 ~ 5/22Prepare for the speechListening part in “Longman…”(point 3 of the list behind)1 speech from American Rhetoric(check the list behind)BBC Learning English (check the list behind)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ”(p.178~217)Week 145/23 ~ 5/29Rehearsal the speechLongman Practice Test Two & correct answersReading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.218~257)Week 155/30 ~ 6/5Redo TOEIC test #1 on 線上自學測驗平台Listening part in “Longman…”(point 3 of the list behind)American Rhetoric or BBC Learning EnglishReading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”(p.258~end)<br />Revised Syllabus version 2 (Corrected: red color compared with I, blue color compared with II)<br />Self-paced English Learning SyllabusInstructor: Grace LiuStudent: Tina TsaiGoals: 1. To get 900 points in the TOEIC test2. To improve my speaking, listening, and reading abilities.Objectives:Speaking: (B1 B2)To express myself fluently without much obvious searching for expressions.Listening: (B2 C1)To improve Top-down Processing and Bottom-up Processing skillsReading: (B2 C1)To improve reading rateTo practice the skill of “guessing meaning from context” Materials used: 1. BBC Learning English2. Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course3. American Rhetoric 4. Novel in Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” 5. Longman Dictionary (or other English-English dictionaries) Activities:Listening: (use mp3 player)Do the Listening Part of “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course”Listen to “6 Minute English” and “English Makeover“ on BBC Learning English”Listen to or Watch videos of “Online Speech Bank” on “American Rhetoric”Do the Practice Tests of “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course”Reading:Read “Harry Potter” in Reading CornerRead articles on “BBC Learning English” Read articles on “American Rhetoric”Do the Practice Tests of “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course”Speaking:Repeat after the audio files when listening them on “BBC Learning English” and Summarize them.Repeat after CD when listening to the “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course” and Summarize them.Repeat after the video when watching them on “American Rhetoric”Attend Toastmasters and deliver speechesSchedule:MonTueWedThuFriWeekend“Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course”American Rhetoric OR Rehearsal speechBBC Learning English (Prepare for the speech)Toastmasters meetingEvery week: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” Week 63/28 ~ 4/3TOEIC test #1 on 線上自學測驗平台Correct answers and do the listening part againWeek 74/4 ~ 4/10Adjust self-paced English learning syllabus1 speech from American Rhetoric (check the list behind)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.1~16)Week 84/11 ~ 4/17Listening part in “Longman…” (point 1 of the list behind)1 speech from American Rhetoric (check the list behind)BBC Learning English (check the list behind)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.18~57)Week 94/18 ~ 4/24Listening part in “Longman…”(point 2 of the list behind)1 speech from American Rhetoric (check the list behind)BBC Learning English (check the list behind)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.58~97)Week 104/25 ~ 5/1Longman Practice Test One & correct answersReading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.98~137)Week 115/2 ~ 5/8BBC Learning English (English Makeover “Program 1”)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.138~177)Prepare for A2 speechWeek 125/9 ~ 5/15Midterm Exam 1 speech from American Rhetoric (check the list behind)BBC Learning English (English Makeover “Program 2)Do some rehearsals on A2 speechWeek 135/16 ~ 5/22Prepare for A3 speech 1 speech from American Rhetoric(check the list behind)BBC Learning English (English Makeover “Program 2)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ”(p.178~217)Week 145/23 ~ 5/29BBC Learning English (English Makeover “Program 3)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.218~257)Do some rehearsals on A3 speechWeek 155/30 ~ 6/5Redo TOEIC test #1 on 線上自學測驗平台American Rhetoric or BBC Learning English (English Makeover “Program 4)Reading Corner: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”(p.258~end)<br />Weekly report<br />Self-paced Learning Weekly Report Worksheet <br />Worksheet No. _1__ Week _____6______<br />Major ____資管四__________ Name____Tina Tsai_蔡婷羽________<br />Material(s) used: Please write down the name(s) of the magazine, the DVD, or other materials you used.<br /> 1) TOEIC test #1 on 線上自學測驗平台<br />2) Longman Online Dictionary<br />Summary of the things you learned/activities you did this week (e.g. new vocabulary, phrases, sentences, plot of the movie, etc.)<br />By doing the test, I’ve learned some words that I don’t know or I am not familiar with. So I check them on the dictionary and make a list:<br />make enquiries<br />enquiry [countable] a question you ask in order to get information. <br />I don't know who sent the gift, but I'll make some inquiries.<br />pick-up<br />[countable] especially American EnglishTTC a small truck with low sides that is used for carrying goods.<br />Laundromat American English: it’s the same as launderette British English. <br />[countable] a place where you can go to wash your clothes in machines that work when you put coins in them.<br />salute(v.) [intransitive and transitive]PM to move your right hand to your head, especially in order to show respect to an officer in the army, navy etc.<br />The men jumped to their feet and saluted.<br />take a flight v.s get a fright<br />make a fortune [countable] a very large amount of money<br />He made a fortune selling property in Spain.<br />Q：Can I get you some coffee? A：Yes, please with one sugar packet.<br />tavern [countable] a pub where you can also stay the night.<br />plate [countable usually singular] the place where the person hitting the ball stands.<br />flat especially British English a place for people to live that consists of a set of rooms that are part of a larger building [= apartment]<br />feel at home to feel comfortable in a place or with a person<br />refund [countable] an amount of money that is given back to you if you are not satisfied with the goods or services that you have paid for.<br />eligible(adj.) someone who is eligible for something is able or allowed to do it, for example because they are the right age.<br />endorse(v.) to express formal support or approval for someone or something.<br />be accustomed to (doing) something to be familiar with something and accept it as normal<br />Reflection <br />本週由於有兩科期中考，所以我排定的進度是在線上自學測驗平台上做第一回題目並訂正，完成後再重新做一次聽力部分，要求自己聽懂題目的每個字。藉由這樣子的步驟，我發現了幾個在做聽力部分時要注意的地方：<br />發音相似的單字：如上述第5點flight與fright，發音相似、意義大不同。<br />過度解讀圖片，自己把題目想太難：在做第一部分看圖時，常常會被選項、聽不懂的單字誤導，臨時更改最初選的答案，結果往往是錯的。<br />聽到關鍵字就以為是答案：這個情況最常發生在第三、第四部分，聽一段短文時，有時耐心不足會漏聽，造成寫答案時選擇有關鍵字的選項。<br />在做題目時也感覺到真的不能小看平時的工夫，舉例來說，有次因為要準備Toastmasters裡“Word Of the Day”這個session，學到了“Be my guest”這個片語的用法(意即：請用，別客氣)。在做本回‵測驗時聽到這個片語時，真的相當興奮！也激發了我繼續學習、記錄生活中的meaningful chunks的動力！<br />另外，在做閱讀測驗時也發現到老師上課教的“In other words skill”，其中的“To give the word its context”概念，也可以應用在做題目上。不管是在看題目或是選項時，發現有不懂的單字，慢慢訓練自己從前後文猜出它的意思，這也是未來幾週閱讀部分要注意的重點之一。<br />Self-paced Learning Weekly Report Worksheet <br />Worksheet No. 2 Week 7 (4/4~4/10) <br />Major 資管四 Name Tina Tsai蔡婷羽 <br />Material(s) used: <br /> 1) Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”<br />2) Longman Dictionary<br />Summary of the things you learned/activities you did this week <br />There is so much I’d like to write here that I just pick up some interesting and useful ones:<br />peck sb. on the cheek: to kiss sb. quickly and lightly.<br />gazed open-mouthed<br />gaze (v.): to look at someone or something for a long time, giving all your attention, often without realizing you are doing so.<br />eye (v.): to look at someone or something carefully, especially because you do not trust them or because you want something.<br />knock sb. to the ground: to hit sb. very hard.<br />hug sb. in the middle<br />Bonfire Night: on November 5th, when people in Britain light fireworks and burn a guy on a large outdoor fire.<br />lose one’s head: to become unable to behave calmly or sensibly.<br />how in heaven’s name: used when asking a surprised and angry question.<br />Where in heaven’s name have you been?<br />of all places: used to emphasize that your statement is true of one particular person, thing, or place more than any other.<br />come in handy: be useful.<br />Reflection <br />The schedule of this week is: (: done and check : not done and reasons)<br /> Adjust Self-paced English Learning Syllabus.<br /> Choose one speech from “American Rhetoric.”<br /> Read the novel: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”.<br /> Adjust Self-paced English Learning Syllabus & Read the novel:<br />After discussing my syllabus with Grace, I adjusted it a little bit, including correcting the errors in grammar, checking my CEF levels in four abilities (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and most importantly, showing more details about know-how and what I’m going to use in the following weeks.<br />I’ve learned that making my syllabus more specific is the key point to be a great self-paced learner. So I change my plan by focusing on reading one novel: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”. I believe a plan which has a good beginning will have a good end.<br />Currently, I’m trying to keep these in mind and encourage myself to keep working. But there was something difficult which I met this week:<br /> Choose one speech from “American Rhetoric”:<br />“Time management is important!” I’ve already known this very well. But there was something I forgot: spring break is coming! This week I decided to watch one speech to improve my ability of presenting speeches, but things were not like that in real situation. In the end, I didn’t finish it. <br />A proverb goes, “A man of words and not of deeds is like a garden full of weeds.” I ask myself to be a garden full of beautiful flowers! Cheer up!<br />Self-paced Learning Weekly Report Worksheet <br />Worksheet No. 3 Week 8 (4/11~4/17) <br />Major 資管四 Name Tina Tsai蔡婷羽 <br />Material(s) used: <br /> 1) Listening part in “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course” <br />2) 1 speech on American Rhetoric <br /> (J. K. Rowling: Harvard University Commencement Speech)<br />3) 6 Minute English on BBC Learning English (“Top international universities”)<br />4) Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.18~57)<br />5) Longman Dictionary<br />Summary of the things you learned/activities you did this week <br />I’ve found several meaningful chunks and words, and I choose ten of them listing behind:<br />From Harry Potter<br />Harry’s heart gives a leap.<br />knickerbocker glory (n.): a dessert consisting of ice cream, fruit, and cream in a tall glass<br />He could see a tiny ray of hope.<br />ray (n.) a straight narrow beam of light from the sun or moon.<br />He didn’t belong to the library!<br />Things began to get out of hand.<br />get out of hand: if a situation or person gets out of hand, they become impossible to control any longer.<br />From Listening part of “Longman…”<br />cutting-edge (adj.): the newest and most exciting stage in the development of something.<br />say a few words = make a short speech.<br />refrain (v.): to not do something that you want to do.<br /> Please refrain from smoking in the area.<br />From 6 Minute English & American Rhetoric<br />Anglophone (n.): somebody who speaks English as their first language.<br />a lively social scene<br />Reflection <br />The schedule of this week is: (: done and check : not done and reasons)<br /> Listening part in “Longman…” (point 1 on the syllabus).<br /> 1 speech on American Rhetoric <br /> (J. K. Rowling: Harvard University Commencement Speech)<br /> 6 Minute English on BBC Learning English (“Top international universities”)<br /> Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.18~57)<br />This week I spend more time doing self-paced learning than last week. There is something interesting I’ve found out: my listening ability is not as poor as I thought:<br />That is, when I did the listening part in “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course” for the second times (I’ve done it before when preparing my first TOEIC test), the problems I used to have no longer existed, and I could get the main idea at once. That probably means I’m moving to the upper level, I hope so. By the way, when listening, I will keep asking myself “If I were in this kind of situation, what should I say?” Doing these practices will let my brain stay in an “active mode”.<br /> When I read the Harry Potter’s novel, I also learn some words that I’ve never heard before, like “bronze” and “brass”, or “broomstick” and “goblin”. And I also have a fun time when I come back to read the Chinese edition. For instance, “Leaky Cauldron” in Chinese edition is 破釜酒吧, and “Daily Prophet” is 預言家日報. Translator is not an easy job!<br />Last, writing weekly reports in English is so hard!! Every time it takes me a very long time to finish it.<br />Self-paced Learning Weekly Report Worksheet <br />Worksheet No. 4 Week 9 (4/18~4/24) <br />Major 資管四 Name Tina Tsai蔡婷羽 <br />Material(s) used: <br /> 1) Listening part in “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course” <br />2) 1 speech on American Rhetoric <br /> (Drew Gilpin Faust: Harvard University Baccalaureate Address 2008)<br />3) 6 Minute English on BBC Learning English (“Tea drinking in the UK”)<br />4) Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.58~97)<br />5) Longman Dictionary<br />Summary of the things you learned/activities you did this week <br />The following parts are some of the interesting words I found when doing self-paced learning:<br />From Harry Potter<br />crinkle (v.): you move your face so that small lines appear on it.<br /> The beetle eyes were crinkled in a smile.<br />gasp (n.): when you take in a breath suddenly in a way that can be heard, especially because you are surprised or in pain.<br /> gave a gasp of horror<br />rant (v.): to talk or complain in a loud excited and rather confused way because you feel strongly about something.<br /> She stopped to draw a deep breath and then went ranting on.<br />He threw a dirty look at Dursleys.<br />He cast a sideways look at Harry under his bushy eyebrows.<br /> bushy (adj.): hair or fur grows thickly.<br />ye (pronoun): “you” in old use, used especially to more than one person.<br />I’m all of a flutter.<br /> flutter (n.): a feeling of being nervous, confused, or exciting.<br />From 6 Minute English <br />institution (n.): something that is strongly linked with a group.<br /> people link drinking tea with the British.<br />What could be less British than a cup of tea, when we think of tea as a very British institution really.<br />antiseptic (n.): substance used to kill bacteria and prevent illness.<br />ruling classes: the social society that decides upon and sets that society’s political policy.<br />Reflection <br />The schedule of this week is: (: done and check : not done and reasons)<br /> Listening part in “Longman Preparation Series for the New TOEIC Test: Advanced Course” <br /> 1 speech on American Rhetoric <br /> (Drew Gilpin Faust: Harvard University Baccalaureate Address 2008)<br /> 6 Minute English on BBC Learning English (“Tea drinking in the UK”)<br /> Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p. 58~97)<br />This week I had a sense of accomplishment when doing the self-paced learning. In the Reading part, at the very beginning I could read 10 pages of Harry Potter’s novel in an hour. But now I can read at least 20 pages in only one hour! That’s very exciting and makes me keep going! <br />When I read the speech from Drew Gilpin Faust, I’ve learned a lot and felt very touching. In the speech Mrs. Faust noticed, “You are worried because you want to have both a meaningful life and a successful one.” And that’s the situation I’m in! I’m worried because I want my life is successful, meaningful and most importantly－happy, but I’m not sure how these goals can fit together. So I keep being worried, anxious and being afraid of making decisions about my future.<br />However, Mrs. Faust also had some suggestions, “You won’t know till you try. If you don’t pursue what you think will be most meaningful, you will regret it.” “Go where you want to be and then circle back to where you have to be.” When I read this, I could find nothing to describe how I felt. Maybe it’s just like I could see a tiny ray of hope. The words really touched my heart, and they also motivated me to write them down in my weekly report. This is an unforgettable experience during my self-paced learning time! I’m very thankful about all of these, and you－Grace! Thank you<br />Self-paced Learning Weekly Report Worksheet <br />Worksheet No. 5 Week 10 (4/25~5/1) <br />Major 資管四 Name Tina Tsai蔡婷羽 <br />Material(s) used: <br /> 1) Listening Practice Test One <br />2) Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.98~137)<br />3) Longman Dictionary<br />Summary of the things you learned/activities you did this week <br />The following parts are some of the words used in different ways:<br />pick-me-up (n. informal): a drink or medicine that makes you feel happier and gives you more energy.<br />dead (adv.): used to emphasize. (= completely or exactly)<br /> Owls are dead useful.<br />Curious indeed how these things happen.<br />rubbish (n. informal): an idea, statement is silly or wrong and does not deserve serious attention.<br /> Don’t talk rubbish!<br />talk somebody into doing something = to persuade somebody to do something<br /> Aunt Petunia had talked Dudley into sitting next to Harry.<br />with a nasty grin on his face.<br />nasty (adj.): extremely unkind, unpleasant.<br />grin (n.): a wide smile.<br />with an air of great surprise = seem surprised<br />keep your hair on: (BrE) to tell somebody to keep calm and not get annoyed.<br />Reflection <br />The schedule of this week is: (: done and check : not done and reasons)<br /> Listening Practice Test One <br /> Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.98~137)<br />This week I met a problem: Should I change my goal “TOEIC score 850 to 900”? I come up with this idea because I think that my TOEIC score is high enough, or maybe all of it is just my imagination? I can’t decide what to do next<br />The other thing is that: I’ve attended the lecture: 英語面試技巧. There were 2 speakers from Estee Lauder. The lecture was divides into 3 parts: Before the Interview, During the Interview, and After the Interview. <br />In the first part, the speakers asked us to study about the company and the industry it belongs to. And always care about what to wear. The first impression is very important!<br />Then they told us some tips to prepare questions that might be asked in an interview, for example: the way to improve vocabulary about industries, be specific when answering questions, and some basic questions we always met.<br />Last part is After an Interview. It included writing a thank-you letter, sending your homework or assignment as soon as possible, etc. <br />I’ve learned one thing from the lecture, and that is though English is very important, the purpose of an English interview is not to depress yourself but to be sure that you can speak in English, use this language. They told us, “Language is just a tool. The most important part is Interview! So don’t be so nervous! Always remember Plan, Prepare, Practice, Perform and Feedback.” I believe keep practicing, be courageous and be myself is the concept of preparing an interview!<br />Self-paced Learning Weekly Report Worksheet <br />Worksheet No. 6 Week 11 (5/2~5/8) <br />Major 資管四 Name Tina Tsai蔡婷羽 <br />Material(s) used: <br /> 1) English Makeover on BBC Learning English (“Program 1”)<br />2) Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.138~177)<br />3) Longman Dictionary<br />4) Storynory HYPERLINK quot;
http://storynory.com/quot;
http://storynory.com/<br /> 5) Prepare for A2 speech<br />Summary of the things you learned/activities you did this week <br />Today’s learner is Sora Hong from South Korea, I list the problems she has and solutions she can try:<br />Question: I have problem with the sounds /r/ and /l/. The pronunciation is different in Korean.<br />Solution: If you have problems with the sounds /r/ and /l/, think about lip shape. For /r/, as in rice, push your lips forward and make them rounder. For /l/ as in lice, make your lips like a smile. You might want to practice the sounds in front of a mirror.<br />Question: Specially in the kitchen the ingredient is really hard to know because specially<br />pastry I never heard the name before.<br />Solution: If you want to learn vocabulary for your subject- cookery, architecture or medicine – keep your eyes open. Notice the English all around you. For cookery terms, look at lists of ingredients on packets or in books. If you’re in an English-speaking country, notice the signs in supermarkets. You could keep a notebook and write down new words.<br />Reflection <br />The schedule of this week is: (: done and check : not done and reasons)<br /> English Makeover on BBC Learning English <br /> Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.138~177)<br />This week is the second midterm check. Remember the problem I met last week: Should I change my goal TOEIC score 850 to 900? After having the midterm check with Grace, I finally decided to change my goal to “To prepare TOEIC Speaking Test”. Also, I thought the program,“6 Minute English”, was too easy for me, I changed it to “Better Speaking” or “English Makeover”. Because of its clear script, I decided to work on “English Makeover”. <br />This week I found that I successfully did all the works of self-paced learning! That was really some great news! It made me keep on working!<br />Next week I’m going to deliver a speech in Toastmasters, so I have to find some ideas. The topic of this speech project is “Story Telling”. That means I have to find a well-known story, maybe some fairy tales, and tell everybody in my own style. In the next weekly report (weekly report 7) I will explain how I prepare and what I have learned from that. <br />During my adventure of finding ideas, I found a website called “Storynory” (http://storynory.com/). It contains many kinds of audio stories for kids. It’s very useful, so I recommend it to you who are reading my report right now!<br />Self-paced Learning Weekly Report Worksheet <br />Worksheet No. 7 Week 12 (5/9~5/15) <br />Major 資管四 Name Tina Tsai蔡婷羽 <br />Material(s) used: <br /> 1) English Makeover on BBC Learning English (“Program 2”)<br />2) Storynory HYPERLINK quot;
http://storynory.com/quot;
http://storynory.com/<br />3) Longman Dictionary<br />4) Do some rehearsals on A2 speech<br />Summary of the things you learned/activities you did this week <br />The following parts are some words and sentences used in different ways I’ve never thought:<br />There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other.<br />It was worth a try.<br />Her eyes were wide.<br />icicle (n. C.): a long thin pointed piece of ice hanging from a roof or other surface.<br />maroon (n.): a dark brownish red color.<br />a snow fight<br />He looked and looked until a distant noise brought him back to his senses.<br />Harry’s heart did a somersault.<br />hocus-pocus (n. U.): a method or belief that you think is based on false ideas.<br />forget-me-not (n. C.): a small plant with pale blue flowers.<br />I’m going to see what section he was in.<br />There’s no point beating around the bush.<br />It was driving them nuts.<br />Reflection <br />The schedule of this week is: (: done and check : not done and reasons)<br /> English Makeover on BBC Learning English (“Program 2”) <br /> Storynory HYPERLINK quot;
http://storynory.com/quot;
http://storynory.com/<br />Last week I changed my goal into “To prepare TOEIC Speaking Test”. From now on, I decide to focus on my skills of speaking interaction and speaking production. The material used to improve speaking interaction skill is “English Makeover”: on the other hand, I practice the speaking production skill by delivering speeches in Toastmasters.<br />Because “Tina’s Speech Show” was on this Tuesday, I changed “American Rhetoric” into “Storyory” to get more chance to practice. At first, I got a big problem about how to have my own style when telling a story. Stories, especially fairy tales, were already well-known by everyone. To make it fresh, being creative is an important issue. I kept trying to figure out how to express till I found a Chinese fairy tale called “Gu Dong Is Coming!”. This was one of my favorite stories in my childhood. Until now, I still remember the feeling I had when my mother told me this old story. With this experience I could easily get into the emotion I wanted to express to the audiences. And that’s what my own style is! <br />I’ve learned that the tips we need to tell an impressive story are not only the skills we present (e.g. vocal variety, body movement, eye contact, etc.) but passion. I can say without passion I won’t be able to find my own way! I believe doing self-paced English learning is just the same! Passion is a kind of energy that keeps us being ourselves!<br />Self-paced Learning Weekly Report Worksheet <br />Worksheet No. 8 Week 13 (5/16~5/22) <br />Major 資管四 Name Tina Tsai蔡婷羽 <br />Material(s) used: <br /> 1) English Makeover on BBC Learning English (“Program 2”)<br />2) Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.178~217)<br />3) 1 speech from American Rhetoric <br /> (Steve Jobs: Commencement Address at Stanford University)<br />4) Longman Dictionary <br />5) Prepare for A3 speech<br />Summary of the things you learned/activities you did this week <br />Today’s learner is Amanda But from Hong Kong. I list the problems she has and solutions she can try:<br />Question: All sometimes I feel quite nervous when I talk to a native English speaker, especially my manager because sometimes I feel I don’t know the English style I’m speaking is correct or is a lot of mistakes.<br />Solution: If you worry about speaking English and get nervous, build up your confidence by chatting with your friends in the language. Have plenty of relaxed chats about and find out what really interests them.<br />Question: I have some problems with grammar because I always confuse when to use singular or when to use plurals. Also, I have problems with long sentences. As long as I'm learning English I always make the short sentences longer than I expected, and that makes the meaning very confused.<br />Solution: When you write, perhaps you’re not sure about the best way to link<br />sentences. Study texts, perhaps texts related to your work such as business letters or reports. Notice the kind of sentences used. Are they mostly long or short? What kind of connecting words are used to join the sentences together? Take them apart and see if you can put them back together again.<br />Reflection <br />The schedule of this week is: (: done and check : not done and reasons)<br /> English Makeover on BBC Learning English (“Program 2”) <br /> Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.178~217)<br /> 1 speech from American Rhetoric <br />(Steve Jobs: Commencement Address at Stanford University)<br /> Prepare for A3 speech<br />Last week I learned that passion is a kind of energy that keeps us working and being ourselves! And this week I realized that this is also the reason, the motivation to keep me being on the stage. The reason why I love delivering speeches is that I love stages. When standing on it, I feel like at home!<br />Preparing speeches is fun, too. This time I choose a topic based on my own experience: “What’s the Next Step?” I got this idea during self-paced English learning journey. To audience, I want to show them the phenomenon why most of the college students in Taiwan choose to study in graduate schools. Then, tell them what I’ve learned during this semester: how to choose our own future. Like Steve Jobs, in Commencement Address at Stanford University, said, “Don’t be trapped by dogma-which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drawn out your own voice.” We choose our life for ourselves. It is you, not anyone else, that choose life for yourself. Like doing self-paced learning, we choose it only for ourselves, and we continue working on it!<br />Self-paced Learning Weekly Report Worksheet <br />Worksheet No. 9 Week 14 (5/23~5/29) <br />Major 資管四 Name Tina Tsai蔡婷羽 <br />Material(s) used: <br /> 1) English Makeover on BBC Learning English (“Program 3”)<br />2) Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.218~257)<br />3) Longman Dictionary <br />4) Do some rehearsals on A3 speech<br />Summary of the things you learned/activities you did this week <br />Today’s learner is Hawo Shafat from Somalia. I list the problems she has and solutions she can try:<br />Question: My worries about speaking English – choosing the correct pronouns and getting the speed of speech right.<br />Solution: In general in English it’s ‘he’ or ‘she’ for people and ‘it’ for things. But what about animals? Well. That depends on your feelings. Your own beloved pet might seem more like a person – so use ‘he’ or ‘she’. But if you don’t know the animal you’re more likely to use ‘it’.<br />Solution: Perhaps you find that people don’t understand you because you speak English too fast and get the rhythm wrong. Take more breaths and pause more. Think about what you are saying and separate different ideas.<br />Reflection <br />The schedule of this week is: (: done and check : not done and reasons)<br /> English Makeover on BBC Learning English (“Program 3”) <br /> Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.218~257)<br /> Do some rehearsals on A3 speech <br />Last week I finally caught up on delay in English Makeover (“Program 2”), and this week I kept working on “Program 3”. English Makeover really gives me useful tips when speaking English. Also, every speaker has their own accent, which makes me feel challenging. The most important part is giving me a sense of accomplishment!<br />By the way, this week I used some of the skills Grace had taught us in self-paced learning class. I still wrote scripts when preparing the speech. But then I tried to write outlines, read the outlines, and adjust them to make them easier to remember.<br />I never forget what Grace told us in the class. She said, “To speak fluently doesn’t mean that you have to talk very fast.” “When you’re nervous, don’t forget you are the only person who knows you’re nervous. Whatever you say is fresh to the audiences.” Steve Wallace also mentioned, “Silence is gold.” “Expect to be nervous! It’s natural.” Words they said give me power and confidence. During this time, I realize for any person, including me, who is eager to improve presentation skills, all they can do is take every chance to speak! It’s not an ability that you can get from reading books!<br />Self-paced Learning Weekly Report Worksheet <br />Worksheet No. 10 Week 15 (5/30~6/5) <br />Major 資管四 Name Tina Tsai蔡婷羽 <br />Material(s) used: <br /> 1) English Makeover on BBC Learning English (“Program 4”)<br />2) Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.258~end)<br />3) Longman Dictionary <br />4) Redo TOEIC test #1 on 線上自學測驗平台<br />Summary of the things you learned/activities you did this week <br />Today’s learner is Johnnie Lourenco from Portugal. I list the problems he has and solutions he can try:<br />Question: After many years in London, my spoken English is O.K but I worry about writing, particularly spelling and grammar.<br />Solution: If you want to improve your writing, the first step is to read more. Read things related to your writing needs and notice the language. Get an idea of the vocabulary and style. Then buy yourself a writing textbook and carefully work through it.<br />Solution: And about English spelling: to help you remember, split words into syllables, for example IN-DE-PEN-DENT – independent. Look for patterns, such as I before E except after C, as in thief. And group words according to sound and spelling – right, light, night and sight all follow the same spelling pattern.<br />Reflection <br />The schedule of this week is: (: done and check : not done and reasons)<br /> English Makeover on BBC Learning English (“Program 4”) <br /> Harry Potter novel : “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (p.258~end)<br /> Redo TOEIC test #1 on 線上自學測驗平台<br />This week is the last week of self-paced English learning program. During these ten weeks, I already get used to writing weekly reports every Sunday afternoon. I feel a little bit reluctant to part with all these things. I never thought that writing in English could have lots of fun till I finished ten weekly reports!<br />Last week of self-paced learning program also means that I have to redo TOEIC test #1. The score is not so different from the first time. But I found that when doing listening part, I could easily make out what is going on in the conversation. I could do it faster than before! Good news, I thought!<br />Next Thursday is my turn to do my oral presentation. I would like to share what I learned, especially the speaking part. I really feel that self-paced learning gives me an attitude, a kind of passion to motivate myself to pursue what I love (what I always want to do but fail in the end). I want to share these feelings to other partners who are also in the self-paced learning journey. And I choose my topic: “Take It Easy!” In my journey, I met this situation for many times: when trying to do self-paced learning, I could not concentrate on it. I would be reluctant to do it and think about other things, like my homework, what’s going to eat for dinner, etc. But I changed my mind and began to take it easy, tried not to put too much pressure on myself. It really worked!! Not only in self-paced learning, but my daily life, taking things easy can help me feel better and look on the bright side of life!<br />Final Evaluation<br />In this part I would like to share how I feel after doing self-paced English learning this semester. I divide it into 3 parts: Listening, Reading, and Speaking.<br />Listening<br />At first I used “6 Minute English” to practice till I met with Grace for Midterm Check. After week 5, I change it to “English Makeover”. By using it, I hear different accents, like people from Korea and Hong Kong, etc. I find that although these people have lived in England for many years, they still have problems using English, maybe grammar or spelling. Learning English is a long journey!<br />When I’m listening to these audio files, I will do Top-down Processing at first time, then Bottom-up Processing, and finally I summarize them. I use the same way when listening to “American Rhetoric”. It’s a little bit difficult for me. Maybe next time I can try to mimic the way those well-known people deliver their speeches.<br />Reading<br />In high school time, I had to read English novels for homework and tests. Therefore I have lots of English novels at home. I read English novels just for tests, not for my own interest.<br />In self-paced learning class, I decide to challenge myself, so I choose the world-famous novel: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” for light reading. After reading for several weeks, something happens! I find that my reading rate improves. Now I can read 20 pages per hour (10 pages per hour at first)! That really surprises me! Knowing how to read is very important. The useful skills I use are Extensive reading, Predicting, and the most unforgettable ones, Skimming and Scanning. Post-reading skills are also worth learning: copy some expressions and meaningful chunks in my notebook. Last, “Harry Potter” series are no doubt wonderful novels!<br />Speaking<br />Though I’ve joined Toastmasters for almost three years, this semester I have some different experience about delivering speeches on the stage. <br />This semester I attend several lectures: “英語面試技巧” by managers from ESTEE LAUDER and “Conference Presentation” by Steve Wallace. <br />I will never forget what the managers said, “Language is just a tool. The most important part is Interview! So don’t be so nervous! Always remember Plan, Prepare, Practice, Perform and Feedback.”<br />What Steve Wallace taught us really inspire me a lot! He mentioned: “Speaking is not an ability that you can get from reading books. Imagine your success in your mind. Expect to be nervous, it’s natural! …etc.” I learned a lot, especially the skill of writing outlines (Grace also told us in class. Thank you, Grace). I immediately use these skills when preparing my speeches in Toastmasters. The result, I don’t know how to describe it, is surprisingly fantastic! With this successful experience, I have a great sense of accomplishment and confidence. And I will share all these experiences and resources with all who wants to get well on their presentations!<br />Things I learn from self-paced English learning are not only those listening, speaking skills but also the following two things:<br />First is Courage. During my self-paced learning journey, I change my goal from “To get TOEIC 900” to “To take TOEIC Speaking Test”. It needs courage to make this decision. Once I change my goal, that means I have to change the whole materials and methods I’m going to use. And it will take me lots of time. But I also know that “You won’t know till you try”. So, I tell myself once I make up my mind, just do it!<br />Second is Attitude. In class Grace always encourages us to attend many activities about self-paced learning held by Language Center. Motivated by Grace, I realize that if I want to use English well, I have to take every chance to practice, as Steve Wallace said, it was not an ability that I could get from reading books. Face challenges and do it myself!<br />In the end, I want to say thank you to our lovely Grace. Grace really inspires me a lot in many ways. In fact, I felt a little depressed when delivering speeches in Toastmasters. After attending Grace’s class, all of it disappears! I won’t forget what I’ve learned in this class and two feelings: courage and attitude which I figure out. The road is still long, so I must keep going!<br />