<p class="ql-block">May 05, 2023</p><p class="ql-block"><b>Overcoming the Apprehensions in Learning English</b></p><p class="ql-block">In my earlier years, I studied English in junior high school, high school (No.3 Boys' High School, Beijing, China), college (Central South University, Changsha, China), and graduate school (Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan). The focus of my studies back then was mainly on reading English books and technical literature to aid in research and development of science and technology. The ability to comprehend English was considered a standard for academic advancement.</p><p class="ql-block">When I moved from Beijing, China to California, United States, my goal for learning English changed. I wanted to communicate effectively with people in my new environment, which meant improving my listening and speaking skills. Since I had been away from formal English learning for many years, I was apprehensive about whether I could achieve this goal.</p><p class="ql-block">Fortunately, I was able to overcome my concerns with the help of an effective English learning approach after enrolling in the ESL (English as a Second Language) program at TAS (Torrance Adult School). Our class combined lectures, group discussions, and writing exercises to help us learn and practice the language in a variety of contexts. I found this method to be very useful in improving my understanding of English and my ability to communicate with others.</p><p class="ql-block">Another concern that I had to overcome was my lack of confidence in my ability to communicate effectively with others. I was apprehensive that my limited vocabulary and pronunciation would hinder my ability to interact with native English speakers. However, through regular practice and participation in group activities, I found that my skills gradually improved. I also received encouragement and support from my classmates and teachers, which helped me to gain more confidence in my ability to communicate in English.</p><p class="ql-block">Looking back, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn English again as an adult. With the help of supportive learning circumstances and effective teaching methods, I was able to overcome my apprehensions and improve my language skills little by little.</p> <p class="ql-block">2023 年 5 月 5 日</p><p class="ql-block"><b>克服学习英语的顾虑</b></p><p class="ql-block">早年，我在初中、高中、大学和研究生阶段学习英语。那时我的学习重点主要是阅读英文书籍和技术文献，以辅助科技研发。理解英语的能力被认为是学术进步的标准。</p><p class="ql-block">当我从中国搬到美国后，我学习英语的目标发生了变化。我想在新环境中与人有效沟通，这意味着提高我的听说能力。因为我已经远离正式的英语学习多年，所以我很担心我能否实现这个目标。</p><p class="ql-block">幸运的是，在报名参加 TAS（托伦斯成人学校）的 ESL（英语作为第二语言）课程后，我能够在有效的英语学习方法的帮助下克服我的顾虑。我们的课程结合了讲座、小组讨论和写作练习，以帮助我们在各种环境中学习和练习语言。我发现这种方法对提高我对英语的理解和与他人交流的能力非常有用。</p><p class="ql-block">我必须克服的另一个担忧是我对自己与他人有效沟通的能力缺乏信心。我担心我有限的词汇量和发音会阻碍我与母语为英语的人互动的能力。但是，通过经常练习和参加集体活动，我发现自己的技能逐渐提高了。我也得到了同学和老师的鼓励和支持，这让我对自己的英语交流能力有了更多的信心。</p><p class="ql-block">回想起来，我很感激有机会在成年后再次学习英语。在支持性的学习环境和有效的教学方法的帮助下，我逐渐克服了顾虑并提高了我的语言技能。</p>