當我們從零開始學習一門語言時，進步通常比較明顯；然而，如果想要在到達中級水平後更進一步，就要付出更多努力，學習中的這種現象被稱為 “中級瓶頸期（intermediate plateau）”。本文介紹可以幫助我們突破英語學習中瓶頸期的方法。
詞匯：language learning 語言學習
So, you’ve reached an intermediate level of English – congrats! You can understand most things about familiar topics and can express yourself in most situations. But maybe you’ve been here a while, and now you’re stuck in what we call the ‘intermediate plateau‘. Often when we begin learning something, progress is fast and noticeable, but perhaps now it’s difficult to see your improvements. Let’s see if some new ideas can propel your learning forward.
If your study routine mostly consists of flash cards and grammar exercises, it’s time to switch it up. In an article called ‘The four strands’ by Paul Nation, he suggests that while such exercises are important for building a strong foundation, we should also make time for more meaning-focused learning. That means lots of reading and listening, with a focus on gaining knowledge and enjoyment from the topic itself and learning new vocabulary through context clues. That way, you immerse yourself in the language and get a feel for how it’s used in the real world.
But don’t stop there! Next, you’ve got to actually produce the language in a purposeful way. According to Merrill Swain’s ‘Output Hypothesis’, speaking helps us to notice holes in our knowledge that we can then work on. Speaking also gives us the chance to experiment with language and, following feedback, either correct or maintain it. What about fluency? Fluency is using what you already know smoothly and quickly, without focusing on learning new words. Set a timer and talk to yourself about a topic, then repeat, setting a shorter timer each time.
Breaking through the intermediate plateau is tricky. But, the key is not to rely on just one type of activity. Experiment with a well-balanced approach, varied materials, and above all, enjoy yourself, and you’ll start seeing incremental improvements that’ll send you on your way to master English at a higher level.
詞匯表
stuck 難住瞭，卡住瞭
intermediate plateau 中級瓶頸期，長期處於學習的中級階段
propel 推進，推動
flash card （有單詞或圖片的）教學卡片
switch it up 改變做法從而獲得提升
strong foundation 堅實的基礎
context clue 語境提示
immerse oneself in 將自己沉浸在…中
get a feel for (something) 通過體驗感受（某事）
output 輸出
fluency 流利程度
break through 突破
tricky 困難的
incremental 逐步增加的
master 熟練掌握
測驗與練習
1. 閱讀課文並回答問題。
1. What are two things someone with an intermediate level of English can do?
2. True or False? The article suggests learners should only use flash cards and grammar exercises to improve.
3. For meaning-focused learning, what should we focus on when reading and listening?
4. According to the ‘Output Hypothesis’, what is the benefit of speaking?
5. What activity is suggested to practise speaking fluency?
2. 選擇意思恰當的單詞或詞組來完成下列句子。
1. We recommend only making _______ changes. Don’t do more than one in a month.
tricky incremental fluent foundation
2. I usually go to the gym but last weekend I _______ and went hiking.
switched it switched it down switched up it switched it up
3. I’ve been _______ in the same job for a while now and I need a change.
stuck propelled getting a feel switched
4. When he moved to Italy, he really _______ in the local culture.
immerse oneself immersed him emmersed himself immersed himself
5. It took a few weeks to really _______ how things work in my new car.
get stuck get a feel for break through mastery
答案
1. 閱讀課文並回答問題。
1. What are two things someone with an intermediate level of English can do?
Someone with an intermediate level can understand most things about familiar topics and can express themself in most situations.
2. True or False? The article suggests learners should only use flash card and grammar exercises to improve.
False. According to Paul Nation’s article, while flashcard and grammar exercises are important for building a strong foundation, we should also make time for more meaning-focused learning.
3. For meaning-focused learning, what should we focus on when reading and listening?
We should focus on gaining knowledge and enjoyment from the topic itself and learning new vocabulary through context clues.
4. According to the ‘Output Hypothesis’, what is the benefit of speaking?
According to the ‘Output Hypothesis’, speaking helps us to notice holes in our knowledge. It also gives us the chance to experiment with language and then either correct or maintain it, depending on feedback.
5. What activity is suggested to practise fluency?
The fluency activity suggested is to set a timer and talk to yourself about a topic, then repeat, setting a shorter timer each time.
2. 選擇意思恰當的單詞或詞組來完成下列句子。
1. We recommend only making incremental changes. Don’t do more than one in a month.
2. I usually go to the gym but last weekend I switched it up and went hiking.
3. I’ve been stuck in the same job for a while now and I need a change.
4. When he moved to Italy, he really immersed himself in the local culture.
5. It took a few weeks to really get a feel for how things work in my new car.
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