Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

B2-C1

How to learn any language easily | Matthew Youlden | TEDxClapham

TEDx Talks

6.2M views 10 years ago

Warm-up Questions

From the title, what do you think the speaker will say makes learning a language “easy”?
What language would you like to learn, and what is your biggest challenge right now?
Do you think some people are naturally “good at languages,” or can anyone learn? Why?

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Start With: Word Definition

Order: Alphabetical Random

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How to learn any language easily | Matthew Youlden | TEDxClapham

Introduction + Myth 1: “It’s too difficult” (00:00 – 04:42)

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1. What comparison does the speaker use to describe how learning a language can feel?

Rocket science
Running a marathon
Cooking a complex meal
Solving a crossword

2. According to the speaker, why do people think they speak many “languages” like 'Cockney' or 'Canadian'?

They grew up in bilingual homes
They learned them at school
They have studied linguistics
They confuse accents/dialects with separate languages

3. What does the speaker say about adults learning languages compared to children?

Adults are always slower and less successful
Only children can become fluent
Children and adults learn equally well in all cases
Adults can be more effective because they know how to learn

How to learn any language easily | Matthew Youlden | TEDxClapham

Myth 2 & 3 + Three 'shortcuts' to learn faster (04:42 – 10:34)

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1. Which health-related benefit of speaking another language does the speaker mention?

It helps you sleep better
It improves eyesight
It cures depression
It helps to stave off neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's

2. What example does the speaker give to show a practical 'hidden gem' of using another language?

Getting an upgrade on a hotel room
Winning a competition
Learning to drive faster
Passing a difficult exam

3. What is shortcut number one?

Move abroad immediately
Only learn grammar rules
Memorize the dictionary
Analyze the similarities

How to learn any language easily | Matthew Youlden | TEDxClapham

Time, active vs passive learning + The golden rules (10:34 – 17:05)

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1. How much daily study time does the speaker suggest as a great and effective start?

30 minutes per day
2 hours per day
Only weekends
5 minutes per day

2. What does the speaker call listening to radio/music or watching TV in the language while doing other things?

Intensive drilling
Passive forms of learning
Total immersion only
Silent study

3. Which of the following is one of the speaker’s 'golden rules' for mastering a language?

Make it fun
Avoid mistakes at all costs
Focus only on writing
Never use subtitles

How to learn any language easily | Matthew Youlden | TEDxClapham

Transcript will load here…

1. What is the speaker’s main message about language learning?

Grammar is the only important part of learning
Language learning is easy if you use effective approaches and stop believing myths
Only talented people can learn languages well
You must live abroad to become fluent

2. Which combination best matches the speaker’s three shortcuts?

Move abroad, copy native speakers perfectly, avoid mistakes
Learn every word, avoid accents, focus on tests
Analyze similarities, keep it simple, keep it relevant
Only speak, never read, never write

3. Why does the speaker say regular short study sessions are better than studying once a week?

Because weekly study is only for children
Because you will feel embarrassed studying weekly
Because weekly study is too expensive
Because you are likely to forget what you learned between sessions

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

How to learn any language easily | Matthew Youlden | TEDxClapham

Which myth (too difficult / irrelevant / must live abroad) is most common where you live? Why?
The speaker says adults can be more effective language learners because they “know how to learn.” Do you agree? Give an example from your experience.
What would “keep it relevant” mean for you personally (topics, situations, vocabulary) in the first month of learning a language?
What is one way you could make language learning more fun and social (e.g., a friendly competition) this week?