CNN.com - World

2012년 5월 29일 화요일

Difference between British and English accent


 In the video, the British guy pronouce 't' strongly, which not like American would pronounce it.
 The regional accents of English speakers show great variation across the areas where English is spoken as a first language. This article provides an overview of the many identifiable variations in pronunciation, usually deriving from the phoneme inventory of the local dialect, of the local variety of Standard English between various populations of native English speakers.

2012년 5월 26일 토요일

JPO

JPO stands for 'Junior Professional Officer'. JPO test is a test which collect people for international organization. Passing the test is one of my final goal.

http://prezi.com/f9xqxipanfj2/present/?auth_key=3uc88w4&follow=emll08m0pkcz

2012년 5월 23일 수요일

TEPS

Since my final goal is to pass JPO test, I would have to study TEPS first. 
 The 'Test of English Proficiency developed by Seoul National University' or 'TEPS' is an English proficiency test created by the Language Education Institute to evaluate Korean test takers' English language skills. TEPS has been administered nationwide since January 1999. TEPS consists of 200 questions which are divided into four sections: Listening (60 questions), Grammar (50 questions), Vocabulary (50 questions) and Reading (40 questions). TEPS is designed to test applicants' communicative English skills and to minimize test-taker reliance on certain strategies such as rote memorization. A study of the test indicated that it is valid and fair.
This test may be reliable, but the multiple choice nature of the test may raise test validity concerns. While TEPS is taken by thousands of Koreans each year, the scores are not recognized by many organizations outside of Korea as an indicator of English proficiency.
 It's similar with TOEIC, so I'm expecting to get a fine score by studying TOEIC.

2012년 5월 20일 일요일

TOEFL

 The Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL, evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English in an academic setting. It was developed to address the problem on ensuring English language proficiency for non-native speakers wishing to study at American universities. It has become an admission requirement for non-native English speakers at many English-speaking colleges and universities. Additionally, institutions such as government agencies, licensing bodies, businesses, or scholarship programs may require this test. A TOEFL score is valid for two years and then will no longer be officially reported since a candidate's language proficiency could have significantly changed since the date of the test. Colleges and universities usually consider only the most recent TOEFL score.
 Policies governing the TOEFL program are formulated with advice from a 16-member board. Board members are affiliated with undergraduate and graduate schools, 2-year institutions and public or private agencies with an interest in international education. Other members are specialists in the field of English as a foreign or second language. The TOEFL Committee of Examiners is composed of 12 specialists in linguistics, language testing, teaching or research. Its main responsibility is to advise on TOEFL test content. The committee helps ensure the test is a valid measure of English language proficiency reflecting current trends and methodologies.

 To apply for exchange student program, I would need to get a good score of TOEFL. I'm planning to apply for the program after I get discharged from the army, so I will start preparing for this after that.

2012년 5월 16일 수요일

How to learn TOEIC

 To learn how to study TOEIC, we need to know the forms of questions.
 The test consists of two different parts; Listening, and Reading.
 First, let's talk about the listening test.


 This is the first type of the listening test. A speaker describes the pictures, and learners need to choose right answers. Difficulty isn't so high.


 This is the second type. One listening for one question. Difficulty isn't so high either.


 Now this type is a tricky one. One dialogue for three questions. Therefore, learners need to check the questions before the listening starts, and remember the needed information as the speakers speak. These questions are the most difficult and important questions throughout the listening test, so learners need to focus on this type and practice checking questions beforehand(this is really important).

 Now, we'll move on to reading test.


 This is the first type of reading test. It simply requires learners to choose right vocabularies after reading a short sentence. Some of them are tricky, so learners are suggested to memorize vocabularies to prepare for this type.


 The second type is similar to the first one. Learners need to choose right vocabularies after reading a paragraph.


 The last type of reading test is a real reading test. Learners are required to answer questions after reading a long paragraph. Since the time is limited, learners need to adjust time well. It's a good way to check the amount of time learners need for this type, and try to cut it down.

2012년 5월 12일 토요일

About TOEIC



 TOEIC stands for 'Test of English for International Communication'. It is an English language test designed specifically to measure the everyday English skills of people working in an international environment.

 There are two types of TOEIC; Listening & Reading Test, and Speaking & Writing Test. TOEIC Speaking & Writing Test, which is the popular test people take for various reasons, is a two-hour multiple-choice test consisting of 200 questions evenly divided into listening comprehension and reading comprehension. Each candidate receives independent scores for written and listening comprehension on a scale from 5 to 495 points. The total score adds up to a scale from 10 to 990 points.

 I'm preparing for TOEIC. My goal is to get a high score so that I would be able to apply for CATUSA. Next time, I'll write about how to prepare for TOEIC.

2012년 5월 11일 금요일

Good language learning resource

 Learn to Read : http://www.starfall.com/n/level-a/help/play.htm?f
 This is the best website I've chosen.The program presents English at a level that is appropriate for learners, and it also help the learners focus on particular linguistic aspects because It has various materials so people can choose what they need to learn. It also provide quizzes so that people can evaluate what they've learned immediately. Finally, It's basically sets video files which help people have interest in it and learn it efficiently.

2012년 5월 9일 수요일

Map of America


Made it yesterday for a class. It looks nice, isn't it.
It was an assignment for one of my class. Drawing whole map of America actually helped me to memorize some important states and rivers.

New department room!





The room got much bigger than before! We've done some works, but it totally worth it. I love our new department room.

2012년 5월 7일 월요일

Came back from farming voluntary service














(Picture of our accommodation)

It was really awesome. All the experiences I had are so meaningful.

Feel so exhausted. Need to go bed.

Love you guys.

2012년 5월 1일 화요일

9gag


 9GAG is a startup image-based social media website launched in 2008, which centres around user-uploaded, usually comical, images dubbed "gags". Similarly to websites like reddit and Digg, users can vote and comment on images, with the newest and most popular appearing first.



 
(some of gags from 9gag)

 This website has lots of funny elements. Using this website as an entertainment will improve English learners' reading skill.