1.      Before taking any course in English as a foreign language you must answer one very simple question. Why? Why am I taking this course? Is it because I have to? Is it because of my parents? Or, is it because I like English? Your further in-class progress depends on what your answer is.

 

2.      When you are in the classroom, listen to the teacher. Do not be afraid to correct the teacher if you think he or she has made a mistake. We are all humans and humans make mistakes! Remember this: a great teacher is a student, and a great student is a teacher.

 

3.      Do not hesitate to ask if something is not clear. You may ask for help in Chinese as there is a Teacher’s Assistant who speaks your native language in every EFL classroom.

 

4.      Be active! The more active you are, the more chances you get to practice English directly with the native speaker.

 

5.      Repeat each word after the teacher, if you are asked to. If you are a little bit shy, point to the object or picture to let the teacher see you understand it.

 

6.      Get a notebook. Write down the words you do not know.

 

7.      Make a Picture Dictionary. You can either cut pictures out of magazines or draw them yourself. Add to your Picture Dictionary whenever possible.

 

8.      There always are some activities you like and some activities you do not. Remember that you are not alone in the class; there are some other students who probably enjoy things you do not. Be tolerant towards your classmates.

 

9.      Read English books at home. Watch cartoons in English. Do not worry if you cannot understand. You will, eventually, when your ears get tuned in to English.

 

10. Believe in yourself. You are here to make friends and have a good time with your EFL teacher. You will be helped and supported in every possible way. It is said that learning English is like having a trip on a boat. What is the use of the trip, if you have not enjoyed the ride?