1. education
2. english as a second language

Payampersa Preparation for the TOEFL iBT test
Steps for TOEFL Preparation
Version 5
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Authored by: Payampersa English Language Institute (PELI)
 PAYAM PERSA
366 Valiasr St. • Zarrinshahr • Isfahan • Iran
Phone (+98) 0334 2220048 - 9 • Fax (+98) 0334 2220048
www.payampersa.ir
[email protected]
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Part One
For Payampersa students in Pre_ intermediate Part 3
Study Skills in Learning English Language
1
The Table of Contents
2
3
An important Note
4
Payampersa Preparation for the TOEFL iBT test
5
Preparing for the TOEFL (PBT) or (iBT) test
6
Anxiety and public speaking
7
Effective presentations
9
10 Hints for Learning Vocabulary
11
10 Hints when Listening in a Foreign Language
13
Listening in a Foreign Language
14
Ways to develop speaking skills
15
10 Hints when Reading in a Foreign Language
18
Reading in a Foreign Language
20
How to Write a paragraph
22
Writing in a Foreign Language
37
Understanding paragraph organization
40
Watching films on video
54
TV/Radio News
56
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
Introduction
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Page
Introduction
Welcome to pre-intermediate part three. This pamphlet is the first part of the
Payampersa Preparation for the TOEFL (PBT) or (iBT) test. You will study the second part in
pre intermediate part four in Payampersa English Language Institute (PELI). In order to be
successful in any TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, TOLIMO or any other standard Proficiency Tests
students are advised to have a sound basic knowledge of English before taking a TOEFL
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
test. In Payampersa, you will acquire this advanced knowledge of English if you continue to
advanced terms in Payampersa.
Pre intermediate part three and four classes and these Preparation materials are
designed to help you improve your scores through reviewing English and becoming familiar
with the testing procedures and format esp. in listening, speaking, reading and writing
although you need to continue to intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced levels to
acquire a full knowledge of English language.
The TOEFL test is a standardized test of English. To do well on this test, you
should therefore work in these areas to improve your scores:
1. You must work on improving your knowledge of English Language that is
covered on the TOEFL test. In Payampersa, you have started improving this knowledge
since term one and you need to continue to intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced
levels to acquire a fuller knowledge of English language.
2. You must work on improving your knowledge of English Language skills that
are covered on the TOEFL test. In Payampersa, you will be familiarized with English
Language skills in Pre intermediate part three and four classes. However, you still need to
practice these skills in other levels such as intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced
levels to acquire a fuller knowledge of English language Skills.
3. You need to understand the test taking strategies specific to the version of the
TOEFL test that you are taking. In Payampersa, you will be familiarized with test taking
strategies in Pre intermediate part-four class. Nevertheless, you still need to practice these
skills in other levels such as intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced levels to
acquire a fuller knowledge of English language Skills.
4. You must take practice tests with a focus on applying the appropriate language
skills and test taking strategies.
5. You must work on Computer skills if you are taking the computer version of the
TOEFL test.
3
An important Note:
While you are studying this pamphlet in Pre-intermediate, part three and the next
pamphlet in Pre-intermediate, part four, you may consider them very wordy and some
times very difficult to understand, but DO NOT really worry. You are still a Pre-intermediate
level student in English language learning and you need to continue to intermediate, upper
intermediate and advanced levels to acquire a full knowledge of English language to be able
to understand the difficult English language of TOEFL. In Pre-intermediate part three and
four, you will be only familiarized with English Language skills and test taking
Pre-intermediate part three and four classes. You need to practice these items in higher
levels for a perfect result. It is interesting to say that even Advanced English language
Students will not be able to pass any TOEFL tests successfully, if they do not practice
English Language skills and test taking strategies of TOEFL. Therefore, it is necessary
to know that Payampersa English Language Teaching Institute has especial steps for
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
Preparation for the TOEFL (PBT) or (iBT) test.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
strategies and it does not mean you can pass a TOEFL test successfully immediately after
4
Payampersa Preparation for the TOEFL iBT test
Payampersa English Language Teaching Institute is trying to prepare the
students for the internet - based - TOEFL (iBT). The Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL) is an examination that is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS)
and is used to evaluate a nonnative English speaker’s proficiency in the English language.
Many North American colleges and universities, as well as a large number of institutions,
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
agencies, and programs, ask for official TOEFL test scores during the admissions process.
An acceptable score on the TOEFL test depends on the specific requirements of the
particular institution or agency involved.
Requirements vary from institution to institution. You should check with Payampersa
institute for their specific requirements. To be admitted to a North American college or
university, you will probably need a TOEFL iBT score of 53 to 80 (a TOEFL paper-test score
of 475 to 550 or a TOEFL computer-test score of 153 to 213). Although some colleges will
accept students with a score under 45 (a paper-test score of 450 or computer-test score of
133), usually those students are required to enroll in remedial classes or in ESL classes as
part of their course of study. Other colleges and universities will require a higher score of
100+ (600+ on the paper test or 250÷ on the computer test). This score is frequently
required for students who wish to work at the graduate level. So we recommend you to take
English language courses before taking a TOEFL test preparation course. Payampersa
Preparation materials are designed to help you improve your scores through reviewing
English and becoming familiar with the testing procedures and format.
A few colleges and universities do not require nonnative English-speaking students to take
the TOEFL test. They may, however, have their own English proficiency exam that students
are required to take. Because these exams test the same skills as the TOEFL test, preparing
yourself for the TOEFL test is a good way to prepare for any English proficiency exam.
Until the TOEFL iBT test has become available worldwide, whether you take the Internetbased, computer-based, or paper-based TOEFL test will depend on where you live or the
circumstances under which you are taking the test. You should find out which test you will
be taking so that you can become familiar with that particular test format and requirements.
For practice test materials and information about the paper-based and the computer- based
TOEFL test, see Payampersa Preparation for the TOEFL® Test.
5
Preparing for the TOEFL (PBT) or (iBT) test
1. If you do not have a sound basic knowledge of English, it is best to take English language
courses before taking a TOEFL test preparation course in Payampersa. Payampersa
Preparation materials and classes are designed to help you improve your scores through
reviewing English and becoming familiar with the testing procedures and format esp. in
listening, speaking, reading and writing.
2. Begin your Payampersa test preparation as soon as you decide to take the exam. It will
be useful to try to learn everything a few years or months before the exam date.
amount of material daily is more effective than studying a large amount in one sitting.
4. All English practice is helpful. Watching a movie or listening to a radio program in English
is good for building your listening comprehension skills. Reading English newspaper or
magazine articles will improve your reading comprehension skills. Speaking English, even
with a nonnative speaker, will help you improve your speaking fluency. Systematically add
new words to your vocabulary. Even though these activities are not directly related to the
Thursday, October 18, 2012
3. Study on a regular basis with your Payampersa partners or Teachers. Studying a small
5. Work carefully through Payampersa books and exercises in Payampersa Preparation for
the TOEFL Test in the skill areas that the Diagnostic Test identifies as your weak areas.
Once you have mastered the skills in your weak areas, you may want to choose other
exercises to improve your strong skills even further, however, it is best to concentrate the
most effort on your weaker areas. Payampersa level tests can help you in this respect.
6. Practice budgeting your time. The TOEFL test is taken under strict time limits. Effective
time management is a key to doing well on the test. Learn to use your time wisely so that
you can complete each section.
7. Use the CD-ROM tests or the information at the beginning of the Reading, Listening,
Speaking, and Writing sections of this book to become familiar with the test format and how
to answer the kinds of questions and respond to the kinds of tasks in each section,
8. Know your goal. Visit Payampersa web site or write to the administration office of
Payampersa and ask for their entrance requirements. They will confirm the minimum TOEFL
score required for admission.
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Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
TOEFL test, they will help you.
Payampersa Study Skills in Learning English Language
Anxiety and public speaking
Introduction
Many people feel anxious about giving a formal talk or presentation in public.
Christine Stuart in her book, 'Effective Speaking' cites a survey in the USA where 3,000
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
adults were asked to list their ten worst fears. Speaking in Public came out as the number
one fear - above even fears of financial ruin and death!
Why do so many people feel anxious in this situation?
The main reasons appear to be:

Unfamiliar Situation: because most people speak formally only rarely to an
audience the novelty of the situation is a cause of apprehension.

Lack of Confidence: This stems often from a feeling that others are better speakers
than us, or that they know more about the topic in question.

Sense of Isolation: The speaker is alone, the centre of attraction - and vulnerable.

Self-Consciousness: about our accents, grammar, voice and image generally.

Fear of looking Foolish - we may worry that we will forget what we wanted to say,
and will stumble over our words, will say the 'wrong' thing, etc.
Another issue that particularly affects students is:

Fear of the Consequences - for example being 'judged' by others, particularly
tutors, as lacking in ability or insight because of a poor public presentation. At least
with an essay mistakes can be made in private!
How 'Nerves' affect you physically
The signs of anxiety are all too painfully familiar to those affected: increased heart and
breathing rates, increased adrenaline, over-rapid reactions, and a tension in the shoulder
and neck area. These bodily changes can affect the voice, making it sound tremulous, or
disjointed by over-rapid breathing.
7
What can you do about it?
There are five things you can do:

Relax your Body
Take a deep breath, hold it, and then breathe out slowly. At the same time try and relax
your arms, shoulders and hands - let them go floppy. Repeat this as often as you can before
you start to speak.

Relax your Voice
Loosen up your vocal cords by humming up and down the musical scale or going through
vocal sounds: AEIOU.
Try and 'Defuse' the Situation
Anxiety can be increased if you have to talk to people who appear threatening or
intimidating to you in some way. If you are faced with individuals like this imagine them in a
ridiculous or deflating position or situation - like sitting on a potty, or with a daffodil growing
out of the top of their head!

Practice!
There is no doubt that gaining experience of Public speaking will certainly help to overcome
normal or moderate degrees of apprehension. Deliberately avoiding situations will only
make you feel more anxious when you are finally confronted by the situation you dread.
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
can practice on each other in small informal groups, or listen critically to themselves speak
on tape.
Another effective way of gaining confidence is to telephone a local live radio phone-in show
with your opinion on a current event. Success at putting your views succinctly and clearly
over the air waves will give your confidence a real boost!

Prepare
Above all you must prepare for the session. Much of the fear and apprehension can be
considerably lessened by a thorough preparation of the material to be presented, and by
organizing your ideas into note form.
As Jack Valenti, speech writer for ex-USA President Lyndon Johnson said: "The most
effective antidote to stage fright and other calamities of speechmaking is total monkish
preparation". January 1992
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Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
Speaking in public is the best antidote to 'nerves'. Easier said than done? Yes, but students
EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS
Introduction
Some of the fear experienced when we have to speak in public can be overcome by
following the three Ps: Planning, Preparation, Practice. Time spent on these activities means
that you are really thinking through the whole process - from what to say, to how to say it.
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
Being prepared is half the battle to overcoming anxiety.
1) Planning

This involves setting your objectives; considering the purpose of your
presentation and the message you are trying to get across to your audience.

Know your audience: How many will you be speaking to? Why will they be
there? What is their prior knowledge? What are their expectations?

Brainstorm to get your ideas down on paper and then select and order the
points you want to make.

Consider the time you have been allotted and how much you can reasonably
say in that time. Decide how you are going to structure your presentation.
Basically you need an introduction, middle and a conclusion. (This is often
referred to as, 'Tell them what you're going to tell them; tell them; then tell
them again.')

The first four minutes are the time when you are likely to have the attention
of your audience, it is important to make an impact with your introduction.

Make your notes: Unless you are reading a speech/paper, your notes should
consist of key words and phrases. Just enough to jog your memory and
remind you of points you want to make. You can use cue cards, mind maps or
ordinary notes on paper depending on your preference, but make them stand
out.
2) Preparation

Prepare any visual aids you want to use. These can be transparencies for an
overhead projector (OHP), slides, flip chart or black/white board.

Make sure any equipment you need is available and that you are familiar with
it.

Check your venue and familiarize yourself with it if possible.
9
3) Practice

Practice your presentation out loud, either on your own or in front of friends
who will give you helpful feedback.

Use a tape recorder so you can listen to yourself. This will identify: how much
you vary the tone of your voice; any points you might want to emphasize;
and the amount of enthusiasm you communicate.

You could practice in front of a mirror to identify any mannerisms or gestures
you might want to change. Not everyone advocates doing this, for the simple
reason that you will be giving your talk to other people not to yourself.
Practice smiling. By smiling you are conveying the message that you are
pleased to be speaking to your audience. This makes them feel more
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
comfortable, which in turn affects how you relate to your audience.
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
10
10 Hints for Learning Vocabulary
New vocabulary
1.
When you come across a new word in reading, listening or seminar work don't rush
straight for the dictionary:
a) try to deduce its meaning from the context: keep a record of the whole sentence in which
you encountered it
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
b) try to deduce its meaning from the structure of the word - it may contain familiar
elements.
c) try to find other sentences or phrases containing the same word: does its meaning
change in different contexts?
d) notice what part of speech it is, and how it behaves grammatically (see Grammar Hints)
a range of sentences will help this.
e) note the other words around it (some verbs take specific prepositions for example): can
you read the word in isolation or does it have regular 'collocations'?
f) note who is using the word and in what style or register of discourse (spoken, written,
formal, informal, vocabulary pertaining to a particular age group or social context etc)
g) check its pronunciation (using a dictionary, asking a native speaker, listening to it in use
on a tape) and for longer words mark its stress point to remind you.
You are more likely to remember something you have worked out for yourself
2.
Use a dictionary to check meaning - always use a good dictionary, preferably
monolingual. See Dictionary Skills help sheet
3.
Compile lists of new words as follows:
a) divide your page into two columns and either
i) write the foreign language on one side, your mother tongue on the other or
ii) write the new word on one and a definition in the same language on the other
b) start a new sheet for each topic area e.g. have a sheet for vocabulary related to the
environment, another for education etc .
c) use color (highlight pens or colored biros): e.g. all feminine words in one color, masculine
in another, verbs in another etc... - When you think of the word later, you will envisage its
color and this will help you use it correctly.
11
4.
Do not write down every new word you come across. Do you really need to know this
word, or only to understand it at this moment? Limit yourself to 10 new words per text,
which you will list with a view to learning because you feel they will be really useful.
Learning vocabulary there are three things you must learn:
1. meaning
2. pronunciation
3. use
Using lists cover up one column and work your way down testing yourself, first from the
foreign language to the definition, and then reverse the process. Work with a friend to test
each other if possible. Always read aloud. If you are unsure of the pronunciation of the
word, check it in a good dictionary, which provides a phonemic transcription.
6.
Write words out on pieces of paper/card and put the definition (translation or target
language definition) on the reverse. Spread them out in front of you, choose one at a time,
test yourself, and check on the reverse. OR: write the word on one card and the definition
on another. Spread them out upside down and play memory games pairing them up. Each
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5.
time you're right, collect the card(s). Both of these are best played with a friend.
Choose words from your list and write 3 different sentences in the target language using
each word to illustrate its meaning. Make them humorous or silly if possible then read them
aloud.
You'll remember words better when you've used them in context or, preferably, a
variety of contexts!
8.
Try the Internet - there are vocabulary tests and other language learning tools to be
found. See our Language Centre Links Pages for locations.
9.
Choose yourself a 'word of the day' every day and think up as many ways of using it as
possible. Try to use it with your conversation exchange partner, in class or in open access
activities.
10.
Repetition is the best way to remember - copy sentences containing the word, write
your own out, tape yourself repeating words rhythmically e.g. write your own raps - then
play the tape back (in the privacy of your own room!!).
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Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
7.
10 Hints when Listening in a Foreign Language
1 - Listen to a video or audio cassette or streamed video/audio from the Internet whenever
possible
Although live viewing of satellite TV can be fun and helps to train your ear, for effective
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
language learning the use of recorded material presents 2 major advantages:

You have a much greater choice of subject

You can PAUSE and REWIND (it is surprising how many students forget this!)
2 - Think about the subject before you start. Make a list of words and phrases you expect to
hear, and tick them off as they come up.
3 - Listen actively. Do not just let the language wash over you. Always have a pen and
paper with you to note interesting vocabulary, language points etc.
4 - Take your notes in the target language. When listening to normal speech you do not
have time to translate everything. Working only in the target language will train your brain
to THINK in that language.
5 - Don't worry if you cannot understand everything. Concentrate instead on what you DO
understand.
6 - The first time, listen to the whole item without stopping. This will give you a better
understanding of the overall context before concentrating on the detail.
7 - For more work that is detailed concentrate on quite short sections e.g. a single news
item.
8 - Use the PAUSE and REWIND buttons when using a cassette
9 - If a transcript is available, DO NOT look at it until the end of your activity. Your last step
should be to listen again, reading the transcript simultaneously. You will normally
understand the transcript more easily than the tape, and this exercise helps you link the
written word to its spoken form. You should not however study the transcript as a written
text.
10 - Try using a monolingual dictionary when checking vocabulary. Often a definition is
more useful than a translation, especially for items which are difficult to translate directly,
and it is good practice to work entirely in the target language.
13
Listening in a Foreign Language
When you listen to authentic broadcast material it can be quite difficult to understand. You
may not be accustomed to the specialist vocabulary and level of language. But you can train
yourself to listen and through listening improve your language level.
Listening material is on live satellite TV, video cassettes or audio cassettes. Increasingly,
listening material is available over the Internet from the home pages of broadcasting
companies. See the Language Centre Links Pages for some suggested sites. For some
recorded material, transcripts are available which should be used late in the process. Live
but it is less appropriate for training your listening skills than recorded material which can
be replayed. At home, you could make your own recordings of radio programs (e.g. news
bulletins). The following activities can, however, be adapted to single viewing of live TV.
1. Choose the listening material well
Whether you are researching a particular topic or just listening out of interest or pleasure
Thursday, October 18, 2012
TV is a good test of your skills and useful for a quick update on news or other information,
2. Predict the content
before you start playing the material, based on catalogue entries, titles or TV listings; make
a list of the topics or subject areas you expect to be covered. Make sure you know all these
terms in the relevant language - use a dictionary if necessary.
3. Skim through the material
Listen to it through once without pausing, ticking off the categories or specific items on your
list as you hear that they are covered. At the end, from memory, add any extra areas
covered which were not on your list, or any additional details you can remember from the
first time.
4. Scan the material in more depth
Pieces of material serve different purposes. Decide whether this piece presents information

For and against an argument

Putting forward a point of view

Informing in documentary manner using evidence (historical, scientific etc.)
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Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
scan the catalogue lists of materials well to choose what to listen to.

Recounting events

As an interview with one person

By interviewing a number of people
Choose the appropriate worksheet by clicking on the relevant line. Listen again scanning
just for the information you require completing your grid. Remember to summaries the
points made on tape.
5. Work on the language
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Listen once again and list topic-specific words and phrases which can be useful when you
are speaking or writing about a related topic. Note also ways in which speakers:
*persuade*
*argue for*
*argue against*
*balance views*
*link points*
*cite evidence*
*ask questions*
*narrate*
etc...
Use the transcript where available and a dictionary as necessary. With your notes or the
transcript in front of you PAUSE and repeat certain phrases to increase your spoken fluency
and work on intonation. If you are using video material with subtitles, note some spoken
phrases and the relevant subtitles to enable you to comment on the quality of the
translation.
15
Ways to develop speaking skills
Languages are all about communicating with people and most communication is through
speech. Yet curiously, speaking is often the one skill which is neglected, both in the
classroom and when working independently. There are however various ways that you can
improve these skills.
Face-to-Face
Clearly the best way to improve your speaking is to talk with a native speaker of the
language, and the presence of native speakers of a range of languages in the University
conversation in the language you are learning. This will greatly improve your fluency,
although this should not be at the expense of accuracy. Make sure your partner corrects
your mistakes, or you could develop bad habits.
See the Face-to-Face page for information about joining the scheme.
Other ways to develop speaking skills
Listen actively to authentic speech. Note in particular the little words and expressions that
Thursday, October 18, 2012
presents an ideal opportunity to exchange conversation in your mother tongue with
are used to link ideas, start sentences, give opinions, change the subject, etc. Try to think
Repeat phrases or whole sentences, attempting to imitate exactly the pronunciation,
intonation and the speed of the original. If possible, record yourself using the tape recorder
or an interactive CD-ROM so you can compare and try again as necessary.
When there is a transcript available mark the stresses, then after listening to the passage
several times read the whole script aloud, again trying to mimic the original. Time yourself
and compare this with the duration of the tape.
Many course books include controlled drills or one-sided dialogues where you have to
provide appropriate responses.
HINTS:
Do not be afraid to talk aloud, either to yourself or onto a tape. Many people feel
self-conscious about this, but you must overcome your inhibitions. You will find
everyone else is too involved in his or her own work to listen to you.
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Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
"how would I have said that?" and analyze any differences with the actual speech.
Pronunciation
"I understand OK but I'm embarrassed to speak because my pronunciation is so bad"
Although it is important to work on your pronunciation in order to be understood, never be
ashamed of your accent. Remember that a foreign accent is often considered to be quite
attractive!
You need to make sure that the basic sounds, especially vowels, are correctly pronounced.
Beyond that, most problems of understanding are actually caused by poor intonation,
fall of the voice. Which syllable is stressed in each word? Which words are stressed in the
sentence?
Your Face-to-Face partner can also help you with your pronunciation.
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
misplaced stress, etc. When listening and repeating, pay particular attention to the rise and
17
10 Hints when Reading in a Foreign Language
Before reading
1 - Look at the title and introduction. What do you think the text is about ? Try to find a
topic you are interested in. You are more likely to persevere with it.
2 - Make a list of any relevant vocabulary you can think of.
First reading
3 - Read the text once without stopping - some of the meaning will become clearer as you
Second reading
4 - Underline words and expressions you are not sure of. Don't look them up immediately.
5 - There should be one main idea per paragraph. Summarize each paragraph in one
sentence.
Vocabulary
6 - Don't look up every word!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
read through it.
7 - First look at the CONTEXT. Do you NEED to know this word to understand the overall
an adjective meaning good or bad)
8 - Can you guess the meaning?

What part of speech is it? (Verb, noun etc.) If it's an adjective, what noun does it
agree with?

Is it similar to a word in your own language or another language you know?

Can you recognize the origin or root of the word?
9 - Select a maximum of 10 words or expressions to look up in a good dictionary (use a
monolingual dictionary to get a definition in the target language) Try to select vocabulary
with a common theme. This will help you remember it.
10 - Instead of simply writing the translation, include the word in a sentence which
demonstrates its use in this context (remember the same word may have several different
meanings).
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Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
meaning? (Often a rough idea is enough e.g. a type of tree, a positive or negative emotion,
Reading in a Foreign Language
When you read an article in a magazine or newspaper it can be quite difficult to understand.
You may not be accustomed to the specialist vocabulary and level of language. But you can
train yourself to read authentic articles and improve your language level generally.
HINT: if you stop and look up every word which you don't recognise, you will get
frustrated and miss the point of the text. Use the dictionary SPARINGLY and follow
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
the stages below, you may need to use it less than you are expecting.
1. Choose the article well
Whether you are researching a particular topic or just reading out of interest or pleasure,
scan the index of the magazine, the headlines of the paper, or the chapter titles of the book
carefully. If you are looking for passages on the Internet, think carefully about the key
words you want to use as you search. From the available clues, choose an article or passage
to read.
2. Predict the content
Before you start reading, on the basis of the clues you already have, make a list of the
topics or subject areas you expect to be covered. E.g.: you know from the magazine index
that the subject is Environment and the title is "No clean air for our children". Your list
might include traffic, fuel emissions, industry, health issues, ozone layer, energy resources
etc. Make sure you know all these terms in the relevant language - use a dictionary if
necessary.
3. Skim through the article
Read the article through quickly, skimming over the lines looking for the words/phrases you
have on your list. Tick them off and underline them in the article (if you have your own
copy!!). Read more carefully the sentences and/or paragraphs in which your words/phrases
appear to check to what extent you were right about the article's subject matter.
4. Scan the article in more depth
Pieces of writing serve different purposes. Decide whether this one presents information

For and against an argument

Putting forward a point of view

Informing in documentary manner using evidence (historical, scientific etc.)

Recounting events

As an interview with one person

By interviewing a number of people
19
Choose the appropriate worksheet by clicking on the relevant line above. Read through the
article scanning just for the information you require to complete your grid. Remember to
summaries the points made in the article - USE YOUR OWN WORDS - DO NOT COPY INCLUDE ONLY INFORMATION IN THE ARTICLE, NOT YOUR OWN VIEWS.
5. Work on the language
You should not have used the dictionary much by this stage. This is, however, a good
moment to make a list of topic specific words and phrases which will come in useful when
you are speaking or writing about a related topic. Write translations if you feel you need
*persuades*
*argues for*
*argues against*
*balances views*
*links points*
*cites evidence*
*asks questions*
*narrates*
etc...
You might be noting actual phrases or tenses used. These are particularly useful to you
when you need to write in that language.
6. Write a letter to the editor
This could be a real letter - send it to the relevant magazine. Or write it to include in your
Thursday, October 18, 2012
them. Note also the ways in which the writer :
reactions to it. Refer to the content (see your activity 4. grid), your expectations from
activity 2. And your own personal views on the subject matter.
20
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
independent learning file. It should pick up on the article you have read and show your own
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
How to Write a Paragraph
Steps for paragraph Writing
Green
Yellow
Red
21
Steps for paragraph Writing
Each paragraph in an essay should contain one idea or cover one aspect relevant to the
main point. Follow these steps to build a paragraph of your own. Then look at the example
following. It has been adapted from a journal article.
Use P-O-W-E-R: You should do the P-plan, O-organize and W-write components;
now you will finish with E-edit and R-revise. You will do this for every type of writing.
Reread your work. Look for spelling, grammar, and content problems. Use your computer
spell and grammar check but use your own wisdom also.
Writing paragraphs is similar to writing lists. The headings you use for lists e.g. shopping
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Introduction:
Step 1 – Outline
[P-plan and O-organize]
When writing a paragraph, first write a plan that is called, an outline of the paragraph and it
includes:
• The topic
A topic sentence gives the main idea of the paragraph
• supporting information.
Supporting sentences support the topic sentence (main idea)
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Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
list, going away on holiday list, could form the TOPIC SENTENCE of your paragraph.
Example
Topic –
Using eggs in cooking
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
Supporting information –
_ lightly boiled eggs
_ Hard-boiled eggs
_ Fried, poached and scrambled eggs
_ Exotic touch, eggs used in sauces such as mayonnaise
_ Added eggs for Lightness and substance
Step 2 — Topic sentence
Write a topic sentence.
Example
There are many different ways of using eggs in cooking.
Step 3 — Supporting sentences
[W-write]
Next, write a supporting sentence for each point. Use facts or examples to support
your points.
Example
They can be boiled lightly and eaten with toast. Hard-boiled eggs are good for
picnics, sandwiches or use in salads. Fried, poached and scrambled eggs are
commonly eaten at breakfast, while an omelet provides a light and nourishing meal
23
at any time. For an exotic touch, eggs can be curried or used in sauces such as
mayonnaise and hollandaise sauce. To give lightness and substance, eggs are usually
added to cakes and pastries.
Step 4 — Concluding sentence
Then write a concluding sentence to sum up.
Concluding sentence/s sum up the paragraph and tell the reader that you have
Example
There are few foods that are as nourishing and versatile as eggs.
Step 5 — Final paragraph
Write the final paragraph. Notice how this paragraph has a topic sentence,
Thursday, October 18, 2012
finished your discussion
Example
There are many different ways of using eggs in cooking. They can be boiled lightly
and eaten with toast. Hard-boiled eggs are good for picnics, sandwiches or use in
salads. Fried, poached and scrambled eggs are commonly eaten at breakfast, while
an omelet provides a light and nourishing meal at any time. For an exotic touch,
eggs can be curried or used in sauces such as mayonnaise and hollandaise sauce. To
give lightness and substance, eggs are usually added to cakes and pastries. Few
foods are as nourishing and versatile as eggs
Now: [E-edit and R-revise]
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Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
supporting sentences and concluding sentence.
Here is another example:
Step 1 – Outline
When writing a paragraph, first write an outline of the paragraph and include:
• the topic
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
• supporting information.
Example
Topic –
Effect of coercive leadership style
Supporting information – effect on work climate – flexibility lessened
– no initiative, little accountability
– erodes pride, alienation
Step 2 — Topic sentence
Write a topic sentence.
Example
It is easy to understand why of all the leadership styles, the coercive one is the least
effective in most situations.
Step 3 — Supporting sentences
Next, write a supporting sentence for each point. Use facts or examples to
support your points.
Example
Consider what the style does to an organization’s climate. Flexibility is the hardest
hit. The leader’s extreme top-down decision making kills new ideas on the vine.
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People feel disrespected. Likewise, people’s sense of responsibility evaporates and
they lose their sense of ownership and feel little accountability for their performance.
The coercive style erodes pride in work well done and diminishes workers’ clarity and
commitment, leaving them wondering if their jobs really matter in the scheme of
things.
Step 4 — Concluding sentence
Example
Clearly if the coercive style is relied on in a workplace to the exclusion of the other
styles the long-term impact on morale and feelings will be ruinous.
Step 5 — Final paragraph
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Then write a concluding sentence to sum up.
supporting sentences and concluding sentence.
Example
It is easy to understand why of all the leadership styles, the coercive one is the least
effective in most situations. Consider what the style does to an organization’s
climate. Flexibility is the hardest hit. The leader’s extreme top-down decision making
kills new ideas on the vine. People feel disrespected. Likewise, people’s sense of
responsibility evaporates and they lose their sense of ownership and feel little
accountability for their performance. The coercive style erodes pride in work well
done and diminishes workers’ clarity and commitment, leaving them wondering if
their jobs really matter in the scheme of things. Clearly if the coercive style is relied
on in a workplace to the exclusion of the other styles the long-term impact on morale
and feelings will be ruinous.
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Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
Write the final paragraph. Notice how this paragraph has a topic sentence,
Here is another example:
TOPIC SENTENCE:
1. There are many different kinds of footwear.
SUPPORTING SENTENCES:
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
2. Sporting footwear includes running spikes, climbing shoes and football, ice
skating and diving boots to name but a few.
3. There is also footwear for differing types of weather e.g. galoshes,
snowshoes and sandals.
4. In addition, fashion and culture have combined to influence footwear
design, bringing us the platform sole, clogs, the stiletto heel and the
moccasin.
CONCLUDING SENTENCE:
5. Footwear has been designed to cater for all tastes and circumstances.
Exercise: In each of the examples below, there is a topic sentence. write
three supporting sentences in the blank spaces under each one and one
concluding sentence.
(1).
TOPIC SENTENCE:
1. There are several things that irritate me about travelling on public
transport.
SUPPORTING SENTENCES:
2.………………………………………………………………………………………
3.………………………………………………………………………………………
4.………………………………………………………………………………………..
CONCLUDING SENTENCE:
5.………………………………………………………………………………………..
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(2).
TOPIC SENTENCE:
1. London offers several places of interest to visit.
SUPPORTING SENTENCES:
2.……………………………………………………………………………………….
3………………………………………………………………………………………..
4.………………………………………………………………………………………..
CONCLUDING SENTENCE:
5.………………………………………………………………………………………
TOPIC SENTENCE:
1. There are several things to consider before getting a pet.
SUPPORTING SENTENCES:
2.………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3.…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
4.………………………………………………………………………………………………….
CONCLUDING SENTENCE:
Thursday, October 18, 2012
(3).
(4).
TOPIC SENTENCE:
1. There are a number of ways to keep fit.
SUPPORTING SENTENCES:
2. ………………………………………………………………………………………
3. ………………………………………………………………………………………
4. ………………………………………………………………………………………
CONCLUDING SENTENCE:
5. ………………………………………………………………………………………
(5).
TOPIC SENTENCE:
1. Come to the City Lit and choose from a huge variety of courses on offer.
SUPPORTING SENTENCES:
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Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
5. ………………………………………………..………………………………………………..
2. …………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. …………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. …………………………………………………………………………………………………
CONCLUDING SENTENCE:
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
5. …………………………………………………………………………………………………
29
Tips:
1. A starting topic is usually broad, stimulating many ideas.
2. A limited topic is narrow, connecting a few selected ideas.
3. A topic sentence makes a statement about the limited topic.
For example, study this progression:



Starting topic: Football
Limited topic: The role that football has played in my education
Topic sentence: If it had not been for football, I might never have
taken school seriously.
Note: A topic sentence is always a complete sentence expressing an idea
about the limited topic. It is not a title (What football means to me), or an
explanation of the writer's plan (I am going to tell you about the role football
played in my education.) The more clearly it focuses the reader's attention on
the points covered by the paragraph that the writer wants to make, the better.
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Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
A paragraph is a sequence of sentences that cooperate in supporting one
main point. Sometimes that point is so obvious that it does not need to be
stated, but often a paragraph begins with a topic sentence that states the
main point directly. Before you can write a topic sentence, you must decide
what you want to say and what you do not want to say in your paragraph. In
other words, you must first explore your starting topic and then select your
limited topic. The next step is to make a statement about the limited topic.
Keep these points in mind:
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Writing Topic Sentences for Paragraphs
Writing Techniques
Writing is an important form of communication. Good writers use different writing
techniques to fit their purpose for writing. To be a good writer, you must master each of the
following writing techniques.
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
1. Description
Through description, a writer helps the reader use the senses of feeling, seeing, hearing,
smelling, and tasting to experience what the writer experiences. Description helps the
reader more clearly understand the people, places, and things about which the writer is
writing. It is the most common form of writing. You will find descriptive writing in
newspapers, magazines, books, and most other forms of written communication.
2. Exposition
Through exposition, a writer informs, explains, and clarifies his/her ideas and thoughts.
Exposition goes beyond description to help the reader understand with greater clarity and
depth the ideas and thoughts of the writer. Expository writing, like descriptive writing, is
commonly found in newspapers, magazines, books, and most other forms of written
communication.
3. Narration
Through narration, a writer tells a story. A story has characters, a setting, a time, a
problem, attempts at solving the problem, and a solution to the problem. Bedtime stories
are examples of short stories while novels are examples of long stories. The scripts written
for movies and plays are further examples of narrative writing.
4. Persuasion
Through persuasion, a writer tries to change a reader's point of view on a topic, subject, or
position. The writer presents facts and opinions to get the reader to understand why
something is right, wrong, or in between. Editorials, letters to the editor in newspapers and
magazines, and the text for a political speech are examples of persuasive writing.
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5. Comparison and Contrast
Through comparison and contrast, a writer points out the similarities and differences about
a topic. Comparison is used to show what is alike or in common. Contrast is used to show
what is not alike or not in common. Describing living conditions in 1900 and living
conditions today would allow for much comparison and contrast.
By using the writing technique that fits your purpose, you will be able to communicate your
A Very Important Tip:
“The impulse to write is almost always fired by reading"
Thursday, October 18, 2012
ideas effectively.
Critical reading can help you become a more creative writer. Reading
another writer's work can teach us other ways of thinking about the
world, and other ways of writing. Using examples from well-known
fiction and discovering many different approaches to using literature as raw
material for your own writing can make you a successful writer.
A Very Important Tip:
A good paragraph has the following characteristics:
1. It has a clear topic sentence.
2. The idea presented in the topic sentence is well developed.
3. All the sentences in a paragraph contribute to the development of the idea
presented in the topic sentence, i.e., it has unity.
4. All the sentences in a paragraph are somehow related to one another, i.e., it has
coherence.
5. It usually has a concluding statement.
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Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
Susan Sontag
How do I write a paragraph? How can I begin?
It is important to know how to write a paragraph. There are certain rules you should follow
in order to write a paragraph and to know how to write term papers. Your first sentence
should be a topic sentence and should contain the topic and an opinion on the topic. It
should strictly not contain any supporting ideas which MUST feature in the next sentence.
You should write at least three sentences supporting your ideas, with facts, reasons,
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
examples, statistics, comparison, or an anecdote. Last, you should have a concluding
sentence which reasserts your opinion, but does not have the same wording. Going by these
helpful rules will lead to good paragraph writing.
There are also four stages in which we have categorized paragraph writing so as to make it
a lot easier for you to learn the art. The four stages are:
1. Prewriting Paragraphs
2. Writing Paragraphs
3. Editing Paragraphs
4. Publishing Paragraphs
1. What is the prewriting stage?
The prewriting stage is when you think carefully and organize your ideas for your paragraph
before you begin writing.
Six Prewriting Steps:
1. Think carefully about what you are going to write:
Ask yourself: What question am I going to answer in this paragraph? How can I best answer
this question? What is the most important part of my answer?
How can I make an introductory sentence from the most important part of my answer?
What facts or ideas can I use to support my introductory sentence?
How can I make this paragraph interesting? Do I need more facts on this topic? Where can I
find more facts on this topic?
33
2. Open your notebook:
Write out your answers to the above questions. You do not need to spend a lot of time
doing this. Just write enough to help you remember why and how you are going to write
your paragraph.
3. Collect facts related to your paragraph topic:
Look for and write down facts that will help you to answer your question.
4. Write down your own ideas:
5. Find the main idea of your paragraph:
Choose
the
decide
which
most
point
important
is
the
point
most
you
are
important,
going
just
to
present.
choose
one
If
point
you
and
cannot
stick
to it throughout your paragraph.
6. Organize your facts and ideas in a way that develops your main idea:
Once you have chosen the most important point of your paragraph, you must find the best
way to tell your reader about it. Look at the facts you have written. Look at your own ideas
on the topic. Decide which facts and ideas will best support the main idea of your
paragraph. Once you have chosen the facts and ideas you plan to use, ask yourself which
order to put them in the paragraph. Write down your own note set that you can use to
guide yourself as you write your paragraph.
2. What is the writing stage?
The writing stage is when you turn your ideas into sentences.
Five Writing Steps:
1. Open your notebook and word processor.
2. Write the topic sentence, supporting sentences and closing sentence.
3. Write clear and simple sentences to express your meaning.
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Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
in this topic? Why is this topic important?
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Ask yourself: What else do I want to say about this topic? Why should people be interested
4. Focus on the main idea of your paragraph.
5. Use the dictionary to help you find additional words to express your ideas.
3. What is the editing stage?
The editing stage is when you check your paragraph for mistakes and correct them.
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
Grammar and Spelling
1. Check your spelling.
2. Check your grammar.
3. Read your assignment again.
4. Make sure each sentence has a subject.
5. See if your subjects and verbs agree with each other.
6. Check the verb tenses of each sentence.
7. Make sure that each sentence makes sense.
Style and Organization
1. Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence.
2. Make sure your supporting sentences focus on the main idea.
3. Make sure you have a closing sentence.
4. Check that all your sentences focus on the main idea.
5. See if your paragraph is interesting.
4. What is the publishing stage?
The publishing stage is when you produce a final copy of your assignment to
hand in. The three most vital publishing steps are:
1. Make a paper copy of your paragraph.
2. Show your work to your teacher, tutor or parents.
3. Ask them for hints on how to improve your writing
35
Writing in a Foreign Language: Suggested development activities
Your long-term aim should be to write in the target language in a way that doesn't make a
native speaker smile (or wince). This aim can be achieved, by developing both grammatical
accuracy and style.
To improve your speaking skills you need to listen and imitate.
To improve your writing skills you need to read and imitate.
Good, modern bilingual dictionaries (e.g., for French, the Collins-Robert or the Oxford
Hachette) give useful guidance on writing, in their centre-pages. But it is far more fun and,
feeling for usage.
Choose a newspaper/journal article, which interests you, and try the following activities.
1. Acquiring forms of expression
Start by underlining useful phrases by function e.g.:

introducing a concept/argument

linking paragraphs/ideas

contrasting one idea/argument with another

proposing an alternative

disagreeing with or correcting a previous statement

being persuasive
Build up your own database of these phrases and use them when writing yourself.
Remember to continue adding to your lists and to vary usage when writing essays, reports
or presentations. Whenever you do use a phrase from your lists, put a tick beside it so you
can keep a running record.
2. Avoiding repetition
Choose a key concept or word in an article and find out how many different words or
expressions are used to convey the same essential meaning but avoiding excess repetition.
Repeat this exercise listing the alternatives each time. You could use colored pens to
underline the various groups of equivalent words. Note how sometimes an alternative single
word is used, sometimes a totally different part of speech and sometimes a phrase.
36
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
way you see how language is used in a real context. You can compare styles and develop a
Thursday, October 18, 2012
ultimately, more useful, to develop your own style by reading authentic materials. In this
Apply these same principles when writing yourself, by using a monolingual dictionary or
creating phrases in a similar way. Keep records of synonyms and other phrases you have
developed for yourself.
3. Learning to summaries
Select 3 or 4 paragraphs and write:
a) a title of no more than 3 words for each one
When planning your own writing, you could work from a series of 'titles' to develop the
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
content of each paragraph. Or when rereading your work, try to write a title for each
paragraph. If you find it difficult it could be because the content is not defined clearly
enough.
b) a single sentence to summarize the content of each one
When writing conclusions and referring to or summarizing points you have already made,
this skill is a useful one to acquire.
4. Developing a sense of style
a) Think about the whole article and decide who its intended readership is. Is it directed at a
particular intellectual level, subject interest group, professional interest group or even
gender group?
b) How does the writer ensure that the reader remains interested in the subject matter?
c) How much background information is provided for the uninitiated?
d) What range of technical or subject specific vocabulary is used?
e) How simple and straightforward is the sentence structure? Or alternatively, how complex
is it incorporating additional relative and subordinate clauses? What effect does such a
choice create?
f) What tenses are used and what effect do they have? Note particularly which past tenses
are used and why. When quoting, note the use of direct or indirect speech and why.
Applying the principles you have deduced in this way, write 3 versions of a film review after
viewing a video:
i) Directed at an 8-year old child
ii) As if in a letter to a friend
iii) As if for a newspaper/TV listings magazine
37
Show all three to a friend or to your Face-to-Face partner and ask them to identify the
intended readership and then how they came to that conclusion. Note their comments and
how you can develop your sense of style further as a result.
Keep copies of any articles used and of your notes and conclusions in your
independent learning file. Remember to consult them whenever you are writing
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
Thursday, October 18, 2012
essays, reports, presentations, letters etc
38
Understanding Paragraph Organization
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Pay attention to the meanings of the following words.
Word
coherence
component
consequence
contribute
convince
demonstrate
diary
illustrate
opinion
possess
quality
scramble
sequence
significance
smooth
succeed
tie
unity
utilize
vice-versa
Meanings
sticking together
part
what is brought about as the result
have a share in
make someone feel certain
show clearly by giving proofs or examples
daily record of events, thoughts, etc.
explain by examples, pictures, etc.
belief; view
have; own
degree of goodness
mix confusedly
order of events, thoughts, etc.
importance
flowing easily
come next after and take the place of
fasten
arrangement of parts to form a whole
make use of; find a use for
the other way round
39
Passage 1: Reading and Writing
Reading is one of the most important skills in college education. In fact, a considerable part
of our knowledge is obtained through reading. There is a close relationship between reading
and writing. Therefore, understanding the rules and regulations of the written language will
help one to read more quickly, more economically, and more efficiently. For example, a
language student who is familiar with the components of the language that he learns and
the principles upon which that language operates will be a more effective learner than the
one who is not familiar with those components. Similarly, a reader who is familiar with the
know the structure of the written language.
Because of the significance of the structure of a text, then, this unit focuses on the different
methods of organizing ideas in the written text. In a text, words are arranged into
sentences, sentences into paragraphs, and paragraphs into longer texts. However, in most
cases, university students are required to read texts longer than a single sentence and even
longer than paragraphs.
No matter how long a given text is, it is composed of one or a certain number of
Therefore,
understanding
paragraph
organization—
the
ways
in
which
sentences are put together in a paragraph—is considered an important factor in
understanding a text. Moreover, mastering the techniques used for paragraph organization
and the development of ideas in a paragraph will serve as a useful tool to improve your
efficiency in reading texts.
40
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
paragraphs.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
structure of the written language will be a more efficient reader than the one who does not
Passage 2: The Structure of a Paragraph
A paragraph is a unit of thought. It may consist of one sentence or a group of sentences
dealing with a single idea. A paragraph usually starts with a topic sentence which is the
statement of the central idea of that paragraph.. The topic sentence is the essence of the
information in a paragraph. It is usually a generalization developed through a number of
sentences providing specific ideas. These sentences—representing reasons, examples,
Thursday, October 18, 2012
It should be mentioned that putting correct sentences together does not necessarily make a
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arguments, etc. — are to support the topic sentence.
The second characteristic of a good paragraph is unity. Unity means that all the sentences
good paragraph. For a paragraph to read smoothly, it should have certain qualities. These
qualities are coherence and unity.
The first characteristic of a good paragraph is coherence. A paragraph is coherent when the
sentences in the paragraph hold together. Each sentence is in some way tied to the
preceding and the succeeding sentences. In fact, the sentences are so carefully arranged
that if they were scrambled, they could be reorganized into their original forms.
in the paragraph serve to develop the topic sentence. In other words, every sentence should
contribute to the development of the central idea included in the topic sentence. Consider
the following paragraph:
There are three reasons why Reza is not going to university. In the
first place, his family is quite poor, and, since he has four young
brothers and sisters still at school, he feels that he should help his
family financially’. Secondly, if he went to university, his mother
would be left alone to look after the young children. Of course, this
would make it difficult for his mother to take care of the young
brothers and sisters. Finally, he has been offered a good job with
excellent chances of promotion2 which would help his family to live
comfortably in future. Consequently, although he wants to go to
university very much, Reza is going to take the job instead.
In this paragraph, the topic sentence is “There are three reasons why Reza is not going to
university.” This means that the whole paragraph should focus on the development of the
idea presented in this sentence. In addition, there should not be any sentence which does
not contribute to the development of this idea. As stated in the topic sentence, the
41
paragraph presents three reasons for Reza’s not going to university. Through these reasons,
the idea is developed fairly convincingly. Thus, the paragraph has unity.
Furthermore, words and expressions such as “in the first place’, second’, “thin!’, and ‘finally”
are the elements which tie sentences together. Such words and expressions, which help the
writer to achieve paragraph coherence, are called “transitional words and expressions”. In
fact, coherence is achieved in this paragraph through the use of transitional words and
expressions. Finally, the last sentence, starting with “consequently”, states a conclusion
about the paragraph. The concluding statement is often based on the significant pieces of
information presented in the paragraph.
1. It has a clear topic sentence.
2. The idea presented in the topic sentence is well developed.
3. All the sentences in a paragraph contribute to the development of the idea
presented in the topic sentence, i.e., it has unity.
4. All the sentences in a paragraph are somehow related to one another, i.e., it
has coherence.
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
5. It usually has a concluding statement.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
It can be concluded that a good paragraph has the following characteristics:
42
Passage 3: Logical Methods of Organization
There are different methods of organizing ideas in a paragraph. Through using these
methods, one may develop coherent and unified paragraphs. These methods are called
logical methods of organization. Every method of organization has its own devices. The
following sample paragraphs are to illustrate some frequently-used methods of organizing
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
ideas in a paragraph.
Narrative
One of the frequently-used methods of organizing ideas in a paragraph is to order the ideas
according to the time they occur. Consider the following paragraph:
A few years ago, I joined seven other boys on a trip to some caves. We hiked for
several hours to the site of the caves. It became dark, and we were frightened:
furthermore, we felt hungry. First e built a fire and roasted some chickens over
the fire. They tasted very good with our hot tea. After the meal, we sat around
the fire and told stories. Then we moved our equipment into one of the caves.
Finally we unrolled1 our sleeping bags and crawled into them. We felt warm and
safe there.
This paragraph tells a story or narrates a visit to some caves. Notice that the events are
organized in accordance with the time they occurred. This kind of organization, sequencing
the events according to time, is called chronological order. It allows the reader to follow the
events in the order they occur.
Chronological order is a common technique in writing. Students have a lot of opportunities
to read passages in which certain events are narrated. For example, narration is found in
diaries, journals, newspaper reports, history texts, biographies, and autobiographies.
Therefore, readers should try to master the elements of this method of organization in order
to read such passages efficiently.
One of the elements of a narrative paragraph is that there is little or no mention of detailed
information. Readers should not spend much time on trying to figure out the details. Rather,
they should pay attention to what happened and when.
43
Another element of a narrative paragraph is that there are certain transitional words and
expressions. As mentioned before, these words and expressions are used to sequence the
events and thus establish paragraph coherence. The words such as “first”, “second”, “then”
and “after” used in the sample paragraph are to sequence the events in the order they
happened. The most common words and expressions used to establish the chronological
order of the events in narrative paragraphs are as follows:
Now, former, latter, prior to, Now a days, formerly, previously, When, while, as
at the turn of (century, decade, etc.), before, after first, second, etc., in (year)
subsequently
Passage 4: Description
As mentioned before, there are different methods of organizing ideas in a paragraph. One
such method is chronological order in which the events are arranged according to the time
they occur. Another commonly - used method of organizing ideas in a paragraph is
Thursday, October 18, 2012
at last, in conclusion, finally, since at the same time, Later, earlier next, then,
a scene. Consider the following paragraph:
The twentieth - century people are very restless. They never really relax. They
do everything quickly. They walk rapidly and talk quickly and eat hastily. They
work hard and they play vigorously. Time is very important for the 20th-century
people. They always look at clocks or watches and are never unaware of the time
or date. Rest is a great luxury4 in the modern world.
This is a descriptive paragraph which emphasizes the characteristics of common people
living in the 20th-century. The topic sentence, i.e., the first sentence, clearly states that a
20th-century man is a “restless person”. This idea is developed through sentences following
the topic sentence. Every sentence emphasizes the idea of “restlessness” by employing
words such as quickly, hastily, and vigorously, all of which contribute to the development of
the main idea of the paragraph, i.e., “restlessness”. Furthermore, attention should be paid
to the frequent repetition of the word “they”. “They” refers to the 20th-century people. This
pronoun is repeated several times in order to keep the sentences in the paragraph
44
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
description. Through description, the writers try to describe a person, an object, a place, or
interrelated. As discussed before, one way to achieve coherence is through the use of
transitional words and expressions. Another way, however, is the repetition of the
previously mentioned words in the paragraph. Thus, repetition is a helpful device for the
purpose of achieving paragraph coherence, especially in descriptive paragraphs.
Unlike the narrative paragraphs in which details are not emphasized, descriptive paragraphs
focus on details. Reading descriptive paragraphs, then, one should pay attention to the
organization of detailed information utilized to describe a scene, a person, an object, or any
other concept. In addition, one should focus on the use of words influencing senses) in such
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
paragraphs. The adjectives, nouns, adverbs, and verbs which influence our senses, are
often used in descriptions to impress the readers.
Passage 5: Illustration
So far, two methods of organizing ideas in a paragraph have been discussed. Another
method of organizing ideas in a paragraph is called ‘illustration’. Illustration refers to the
explanation given through examples and pictures. Thus, one would expect to find
explanations and exemplifications in such paragraphs. Consider the following paragraph:
An educated man is a tolerant1 man. He respects the opinions of his friends. For
example, Dr. Irani likes old things. He likes old paintings. He enjoys old hooks.
He owns old furniture. Some people, on the other hand, do not like old things.
They do not like old paintings; they do not enjoy old hooks. They like modern
furniture. Dr. Irani never criticizes them. He respects people’s ideas. He
understands human nature.
In this paragraph, the first sentence, i.e., the topic sentence is a clear statement of an idea.
This idea is explained in the second sentence. Succeeding sentences illustrate the idea
through examples. This sequence of statement, explanation, and examples is the structure
of a paragraph which is developed through illustration. This method of organizing ideas is
used when the writer wants to argue a point and convince others to agree with him.
In order to read such paragraphs efficiently, one should pay attention to the organization of
the ideas. If it follows the order of statement, explanation, and example, the paragraph is
most likely the one in which illustration is used. Thus, in reading paragraphs developed
45
through illustration, the reader should look for the point of argument and the way it is
carried on.
Furthermore, as in descriptive paragraphs, coherence is achieved through the repetition of
previously-mentioned nouns rather than the use of transitional words and expressions. In
illustration the frequent use of pronouns is a common technique to achieve coherence.
_Read the following paragraph and answer the questions. The sentences are numbered for
easy reference.
(1) Every line in a drawing is significant. (2) Each one contributes to the work of the artist.
dominate2 drawings of urban3 life with tall buildings. (5) What is the reason? (6) Can you
guess? (7) City buildings are often simple, cold, and functional4. (8) Space is not at all
plentiful. (9) Every part of space is important. (10) Architects plan urban buildings
efficiently and economically. (11) Thus, straight lines reflect this rigidity and need for
economy.
1. Which sentence
a. is the concluding statement?
b. is the topic sentence?
Thursday, October 18, 2012
(3) For example, straight lines suggest rigidity1 and economy. (4) These straight lines
2. Underline the pronouns which are elements of coherence.
3. Which sentences provide examples?
Passage 6: Cause-effect
Chronological order, description, and illustration are three methods of organizing ideas in a
paragraph. Of course, there are some other methods. Another method which is probably the
most frequently-used method of organizing ideas in a paragraph is cause-effect method.
This method of organization is very useful for college students because it is often used at
college level texts. Consider the following paragraph:
Eight out of ten students who go to English speaking countries succeed because
of their hard work. In spite of their eagerness, they know very little English or ho
to go about learning it. Student life is difficult. Such students have few friends
and few social opportunities. Neither their parents nor their relatives protect
them from loneliness. Many of these students suffer1 from homesickness2
46
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
c. provides an explanation?
consequently, loneliness3 is a more serious difficulty than the language problem.
Regardless of these difficulties, foreign students try to succeed in their studies
through hard work.
This paragraph presents a cause - hard work - and an effect - success. In such paragraphs
the topic sentence sets the “cause” and its “effect”. The succeeding sentences attempt to
explain the cause and its effect.
Understanding cause-effect method of organization will help the reader to identify “the
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
what”, “the why” and sometimes ‘the how” of a cause—effect relationship. In such
paragraphs, the reader should pay attention to the relationship among sentences to
determine the cause and its effect. When the cause and its effect are identified, one will
easily follow the writer’s line of argument through the paragraph. Otherwise, it may take a
long time to understand such paragraphs.
Notice that the relationship among the sentences is established through the use of words
such as “because”, “therefore”, “consequently”, and “as a result”. Some other words and
expressions used to achieve coherence in cause-effect paragraphs are as follows:
So
for this reason
Therefore
have an effect on
Thus
Accordingly
Hence
in conclusion
Since
consequently
Thus
If
due to
unless
Passage 7: Classification
As mentioned before, a paragraph consists of one or more sentences in order to develop an
idea. The idea in the paragraph may focus on a subject. When the subject is too large to be
developed, it would be helpful to divide [he subject into its components. In order to divide a
subject into certain categories, a logical method should be used. The method through which
a subject is classified into its components is called classification. Classification can be carried
out in different ways. For example, the parts can be classified according to their similarities,
differences, size, color, or some other characteristics. It should be kept in mind, however,
47
that classification must have clear bases such as the ones mentioned above. Furthermore,
when a subject is classified, there should be at least two categories of that subject.
Otherwise, classification cannot be used. Consider the following paragraph:
People often misunderstand sportsmen. They are not a separate race of people.
They rarely live alone. They do not withdraw3 from civilization. Sportsmen
generally have good marriages, healthy children, and happy homes. They do
have certain qualities, however. First. they have active and well-trained bodies.
Second, they are physically strong. And third, they love sports.
normal human beings by showing the common characteristics they share with ordinary
people. The second part, however, enumerates distinctive characteristics which
separate sportsmen from other people. Thus, sportsmen are classified first as normal
human beings and second as sportsmen.
Reading paragraphs of classification, the reader should pay attention to the logical
order through which certain characteristics are classified. Understanding the structure
of classification technique is helpful in reading effectively. It is also helpful for taking
notes from materials one reads or listens to. That is, it will enable the reader or the
Thursday, October 18, 2012
This paragraph is an example of classification. The first part classifies sportsmen as
expressions such as “first’, “second”, etc. are used to show the order in which the
ideas are explained. Furthermore, they serve to achieve coherence. Some of the
transitional words and expressions used in classification are as follows:
First
Major kinds of
Significant
Second
classify,
Categorize
third
divisions
types
main kinds of
Fundamental
Important
clearly distinguishable
Divide
Groups
primary
secondary
according to
Passage 8: Comparison and Contrast
So far, several methods of organizing ideas have been presented. Another major method of
organizing ideas in a paragraph is called comparison and contrast. In fact, comparison and
contrast are really two methods, but they are so closely related that they are usually
48
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
listener to get the main points of the text. Notice that the transitional words and
considered together as one. Comparison is a statement of likenesses and similarities, while
contrast deals with differences and dissimilarities. Consider the following paragraph:
All social animals need some method of communication to exchange information.
Human beings communicate in many ways. One of these ways is the gesture.
Men communicate approval by clapping their hands, by smiling, or by laughing.
They communicate disapproval by holding the nose with the fingers. And they
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
indicate direction by pointing towards a point. Similarly, lower forms of life also
use different methods of communication. Bees, like human beings, live in orderly
communities. They communicate location of food by carrying odor samples back
to the hive. They communicate the distance and direction of the food by dancing.
However, the major difference in the communication systems of man and other
animals is the word. Only man can combine sounds into words and words into
sentences. That is, man alone can communicate complex ideas. Thus, social
communities of higher and
lower animals depend
upon
communication.
Nevertheless, only the human community has verbal language.
This paragraph shows similarities and differences between higher and lower forms of
animals regarding communication. The similarities include having a form of communication,
and the differences include the use of word by human beings but not by lower forms of
animals.
This kind of paragraph illustrates similarities and differences between two or more people,
objects, concepts, or groups of peoples, objects, and concepts. If contrast and comparison
are used in a single paragraph, it should not mean that these two methods of organizing
ideas are always used together. They can be used independently. However, the transitional
words and expressions used to show the relationship among the sentences are clues to
indicate the type of the method of organization. For example, notice the words “similarly’
and “however” in the paragraph. The first indicates the similarity, and the second shows the
difference.
Some of the words and expressions used to achieve coherence in paragraphs of comparison
are as follows:
49
Similar to
correspondingly
in the same way
at the same rate as
Like
the same as
alike
resemble
likewise
in comparison
to have in common
follows:
still
Unlike
more/less than
differ from
nevertheless
in contrast
dissimilar
however
while
in opposition
although
otherwise
at a different rate from
on the contrary
on the other hand
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
Different from
Thursday, October 18, 2012
The words and expressions used to achieve coherence in paragraphs of contrast are as
50
Passage 9: Composites
In this unit, several methods of organizing ideas in paragraphs have been introduced.
Familiarity with these methods of paragraph organization will help readers to comprehend
what they read easily. However, it should be kept in mind that paragraphs are not written in
order to use a certain pattern of organization. They are, nevertheless written in order to
convey ideas. To transmit ideas and to communicate effectively, these methods of
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
organization serve as devices to facilitate the task. Therefore, in most cases, several
methods of organization are employed in the same paragraph to convey a message.
Such a paragraph, in which more than one method of organization is used, is called a
“composite paragraph”. In reading composite paragraphs, the reader should concentrate on
the different methods of organization utilized in those paragraphs. He should also notice the
transitional words and expressions which show the shift from one method of organization to
the other. Most college texts include paragraphs in which more than one method of
organization is used. In fact, readers should master the different methods of organization in
order to be able to read composite paragraphs efficiently. Consider the following passage as
an example:
The science of high-frequency sound, called Ultrasonics, is one of the newest and
most exciting techniques of the space age. The prefix ‘ultra’ means “beyond”;
and “sonic” means “sound”. So, the word means “beyond the range of hearing”.
Ultrasonics is the process that enables the navy to detect submarines, and
fishermen to detect schools of fish. Ultrasonics can be used in many branches of
science.
Penetrating flesh and bone harmlessly, ultrasonic waves are a subject of
research the findings of which have contributed to medical science in several
ways. The ultrasonic process enables physicians and psychiatrists to make quick
diagnosis. In contrast to the ten minutes that the X-ray process demands, the
ultrasonic process sends out echo patterns that can be read within ten seconds.
Unlike X-rays, the ultrasonic process is not dangerous, and, therefore, it can be
administered to a patient repeatedly. Doctors use ultrasonic devices to detect
fatal heartbeats, to sterilize instruments, to clean teeth, and to detect blood
clots. Similarly, Ultrasonics contributes significantly to industrial technology.
Cleaning processes, vegetable and fruit cultivation, milk homogenization,
1
mechanical dishwashers, burglar - alarm system, and air purifiers have been
revolutionized by this new science.
Within a very short time Ultrasonics will be as essential to human life as the
telephone is today.
This passage starts with a definition and proceeds to show the present and future of
Ultrasonics. There are many examples of the use of Ultrasonics. There is also a
discussion of differences between Ultrasonics and the X-ray. Furthermore, similarities
between the uses of Ultrasonics in medicine and in industrial technology are
mentioned. In short, in this passage illustration, contrast, and comparison methods of
As mentioned before, composite paragraphs are very frequent in college textbooks.
Therefore, one should focus on the patterns of organization used in the paragraph or
the passage one reads. One should also pay attention to the transitional words and
expressions in order to figure out which method of organization is used. Of course, not
all methods of organizing ideas in a paragraph are mentioned here in this unit.
However, the methods presented are among the most frequently-used methods. In
short, understanding the methods of paragraph organization will help readers to read
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
more quickly, more effectively, and with a higher degree of comprehension.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
organizing ideas have been used.
2
Watching films on video
CORE ACTIVITY
Individual/group viewing
When you watch a film, on a sheet of paper write the following information (in the foreign
language of course). You may need to use a dictionary or other reference materials.
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
If the film is subtitled include comments on the 'translation'.
1. Note the name of the film, name of the director, principal stars, date made.
2. Classify it (thriller, comedy, romantic, historical, science fiction etc.).
3. Write a summary of the plot/situation/scenario.
4. Write a review of this film.

plot

acting

script

pace

cinematography

music

special effects

target audience

other aspects you can think of
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
1. Discuss the film with friends and/or your Face-to-Face partner (in the foreign language of
course) exchanging views on it
2. Make notes of other people's opinions and contrast them to your own
3. Use a tape-recorder and microphone or video camera to interview each other about the
film
4. Record yourself on a tape recorder doing a film review as if for the radio (in the relevant
language, of course).
5. Watch and/or listen to any (video)tapes you have made as a result of 3. Or 4. Above. Use
this to evaluate your own communication skills. You and your friends can comment on each
others' performances if you are comfortable doing so. You may find the Communication
Skills Analysis Grid useful for this process. Your Face-to-Face partner (where relevant) can
3
also help provide feedback to you. Use all comments constructively to improve your spoken
skills.
Notes, written reviews and recordings should be kept in your independent
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
Thursday, October 18, 2012
language learning file.
4
TV/Radio News: (Suggested Activities)
The following is a suggested schedule to assist you in getting the most out of watching or
listening to the news from the internet or using a current news video from the Language
Centre.
For information about internet delivered audio and video look at the Links pages for the
language you are studying.
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Before viewing
Make a note of what stories you expect to find included in this bulletin. Think about what
you know is going on in that country at the moment or of the major international stories
you would expect to see covered. When you watch/listen to the news you can check how far
you were right. Make sure you make a note of the date this bulletin was broadcast and the
channel.
Viewing
1. Initially just watch/listen to the headlines. They tend to go very fast and be difficult to
grasp. Stop and rewind at the end of the headlines and listen to them several times before
moving on to the main news stories.
Use the Grid: complete it vertically, filling in one or two columns for each time of viewing.
Work on the headlines first and then on the full stories to complete the final columns.
i.e. watching news headlines only:

fill in Type and Who column for each story,

repeat for Where and When etc.

What, Why, How and Comments will need further viewing including the main stories.
Type
Politics
International
Who
Chancellor
Schröder
Where
Moscow
French students Paris
When
yesterday
at weekend
What
visit to ....
demonstrations
about....
You will find that you understand the material better by following this process of
scanning for particular information each time rather than trying to understand it
all at once.
5
2. Then choose one of the headlines which has caught your imagination and speculate as to
the content of the full report. Write notes (in the foreign language of course).
3. Watch the rest of the bulletin rewinding as necessary to understand each story better.
Concentrate particularly on the story you chose at 2. and note as much information as you
can.
After viewing
1. Re-write your chosen story as if for a newspaper/magazine, including a headline. Take
into account the type of newspaper you are writing for, target readership etc.
correspondents, interviewers etc.. Comparing them to news presentation in your own
language/country.
3. Write your own script for your chosen story. With friend/friends, borrow a video camera
or a tape recorder and record yourselves acting as newscasters. If your course requires you
to produce evidence of independent learning, the video/audio cassette could be included
Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test
with your dossier.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
2. Make some general comments about the news presentation by the anchor person,
6
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
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7
‫‪were supposed to be happy with just understanding one or two words. Yes, it was‬‬
‫?‪‘authentic’, but was it the best way to learn English‬‬
‫‪Headway took an alternative view and gave us a different approach to teaching‬‬
‫‪English.‬‬
‫نرم افزار ياگيری واژگان‬
‫شما را دعوت به فراگيري واژگان زبان انگليسی از طري ق این نرم افزار مي كنيم‪ .‬هم اكنون تعداد زيادي از‬
‫ن عالقه مند ‪ ،‬مشتاقانه منتظرند تا واژگان زبان انگليسی را به بهترین شيوه ‪ ،‬با جذابيت خاص و با سرعت‬
‫دانشجويا ِ‬
‫زياد فرا گيرند‪ .‬اگر شما نيز مایليد به بهترین شكل ممكن لغات انگليسي را در مكالمه هاي خود به كار ببريد‪ ،‬لحظه‬
‫اي درنگ نكنيد و به ما ملحق شويد‪.‬‬
‫‪Thursday, October 18, 2012‬‬
‫این نرم افزار سرگرم کننده می تواند شما را مثل یک (‪ )Native Speaker‬نابغه در صحبت كردن نشان‬
‫دهد و حتی انگيزه شما را در صحبت كردن به زبان انگليسی صد برابر کند و از طرفی شما را روی صندلی های خود‬
‫ميخ کوب کند به طو ری که با انگيزه و اشتياق زیاد زودتر به کالسهاي زبان انگليسی بياید و دیرتر از کالس خارج‬
‫شويد‪.‬‬
‫هنگامی که این نرم افزار اجرا می شود تا زمانی که اجرای آن به پایان می رسد در حقيقت می تواند‬
‫بهترین دوست و همکار قدرتمند شما باشد و شاید همين مسئله باعث شود تا شما با اشتياق و حوصله فراوان‬
‫واژگان خود را به تنهایی با آخرین روشهای آموزش زبان انگليسی فرا بگيريد‪.‬‬
‫برای این کار الزم نيست که مهندس نرم افزار کامپيوتر باشيد این نرم افزار آنقدر راحت و آسان است که‬
‫ميتوانيد در مدت زمان یک یا دو ساعت یک سخنراني و يا مكالمه حرفه ای را طراحی کنيد و با لغتهاي خود تاثير‬
‫‪Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test‬‬
‫شگرفي بر شنوندگان بگذارید ‪.‬‬
‫اهميت استفاده از نرم افزار ياگيري واژگان زبان انگليسی‬
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‫(‪ -)1‬بهينه سازی يادگيري‬
‫الف‪ -‬فراگيري و دوره واژگان زیاد در مدت زمان کوتاه‬
‫ب‪ -‬عالقه مند کردن دانشجویان و دان‬
‫آموزان به افزاي‬
‫واژگان زبان انگليسی‬
‫ج‪ -‬باال بردن سرعت فراگيري واژگان زبان انگليسی‬
‫د‪ -‬باال بردن سرعت مكالمه دانشجویان بصورت سليس و شيوا‬
‫ه‪ -‬راحتی آموزش برای اساتيد‬
‫و‪-‬راحتی یادگيری واژگان برای دان‬
‫پژوهان‬
‫(‪-)2‬یادگيری تهيه و به كار گيري واژگان با شيوه هاي نوين‬
‫(‪ -)3‬کمک به اساتيد به ارزشيابی واژگان دانشجویان در كمترين زمان‬
‫(‪ -)4‬کمک به اساتيد در اداره و کنترل کالس‬
‫(‪ -)5‬کمک به اساتيد برای ارزشيابی خودشان‬
‫‪8‬‬
‫(‪ -)6‬خالق کردن اساتيد و دانشجویان در آموزش و يادگيري واژگان فعال‬
‫(‪ -)7‬يادگيري و تدریس زبان انگليسی درمتن (‪)Context‬‬
‫(‪-)8‬تمرين تلفظ ‪ ،‬ديكته لغات و ‪....‬‬
‫(‪ -)9‬پس از كامل شدن با دادن كپي اين نرم افزار به افراد ديگر مي توانيد از واژگاني كه دانشجویان (مورد اطمينان‬
‫شما) آماده كرده اند استفاده كنيد و سرعت يادگيري را باال تر ببريد‪.‬‬
‫ویژه گيهای نسل جدید دانشجویان فارغ التحصيل زبان انگليسی در موسسه پيام پرسا‬
‫نسل جدید دانشجویان فارغ التحصيل زبان انگليسی در موسسه پيام پرسا بعد از اتمام دوره های خود‬
‫کامال می توانند با لغات و الگوهای صحيح زبان انگليسی با شيوایی به زبان انگليسی صحبت کنند‪ ،‬درک کنند و‬
‫انگليسی دارند‪ .‬هم اکنون این افراد می توانند به راحتی به خارج از کشور سفر کنند‪ ،‬از اینترنت استفاده نمایند و در‬
‫هر دانشگاهی در دنيا ادامه تحصيل دهند‪.‬‬
‫نسل جدید دانشجویان فارغ التحصيل زبان انگليسی در موسسه پيام پرسا دیگر نيازی به خواندن دروس زبان‬
‫انگليسی مدرسه یا دانشگاهی خود ندارند و می توانند وقت خود را برای فعاليتهای دیگر تنظيم نمایند‪ .‬این‬
‫دانشجویان با داشتن آینده ای تضمين شده و کامال موفق و با دان‬
‫فرا شناخت خود به دنبال جذب فرصتهای کامال‬
‫تنها برگزارکننده سيستمهای مدیریت یادگيری در منطقه‬
‫روشــهای مدرن مدیریت یادگــيری و فنون عملی مطالعه‬
‫دیدگاهها و روشهای نوین در مدیریت یادگيری و مطالعه در سال ‪2008‬‬
‫موفقيت در تحصيل دیگر غير ممکن نيست حتی برای شما‬
‫دنيای آینده پيام خوشبختی ‪ ،‬رفاه و موفقيت برای کسانی دارد که خوب و سریع یاد بگيرند‪ .‬همه ما در حال تحصيل و‬
‫تا آخر عمر در حال یادگيری می باشيم و باید خود را به طور موثر برای یادگيری‪ ،‬مطالعه و تحقيق ‪ ،‬مدیریت نمایيم‪.‬‬
‫بعضی از مهارتها (مانند فنون م دیریت یادگيری و مطالعه) را به آسانی و به تنهایی نمی توان کسب کرد و با آشنا‬
‫نشدن و تمرین نکردن این مهارتها ‪ ،‬به تدریج باعث ضعيف شدن یادگيری می شود‪ .‬مدیریت یادگيری باعث افزای‬
‫انگيزه شما برای یادگيری می شود و هرچه انگيزه بيشتری برای بهبود مطالعه داشته باشيد به همان اندازه در‬
‫رشته تحصيلی خود موفق تر خواهيد بود‪.‬‬
‫بسياری از دانشجویان فقط با تکنيکهای ظاهری فنون مطالعه آشنایی دارند و هيچگونه شناخت و فرا شناختی‬
‫نسبت به یادگيری صحيح و عميق خود ندارند و همين امر سبب می شود تا یادگيری با کيفيت و ‪ %100‬تضمين‬
‫شده انجام نشود‪.‬‬
‫بنا به گفته ارسطو "یادگيری بدون زحمت غير ممکن است" بنابراین صرف وقت برای فراگيری مهارتهای شناخت و فرا‬
‫شناختی مطالعه و مدیریت یادگيری بسيار الزامی می باشد و در این راه باید تالش بسيار داشته باشيد‪ .‬در عين‬
‫حال منافعی که از این راه برای شما فراهم می شود به مراتب بيشتر از زحماتی است که متحمل خواهيد شد‪.‬‬
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‫‪Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language‬‬
‫طالیی که خارج از درک مردم معمولی هستند‪ ،‬می باشند‪.‬‬
‫‪Thursday, October 18, 2012‬‬
‫بنویسند به زبان انگليسی ب ا افراد خارجی ارتباط صحيح داشته باشند‪ .‬این افراد کنترل کاملی از خود در زبان‬
‫نظرتان نسبت به مطالبی که می خوانيد چيست؟‬
‫کاربرد فنون بهترِ مطالعه و مدیریت یادگيری ‪ ،‬مطالعه را لذت بخ‬
‫خواننده نسبت به مطالعه افزای‬
‫‪ ،‬آسانتر و سریعتر تر می سازد‪ .‬در نتيجه‪ ،‬عالقه‬
‫می یابد و سبب می شود تا او به مطالعه بيشتر بپردازد ‪ ،‬از خواندن مطالبی که‬
‫باید بخواند دوری نکند ‪ ،‬و در زمان کمتر مطالب بيشتری را بخواند‪ .‬مطالعه ثمر بخ‬
‫از دو عامل متاثر است‪ :‬یکی‬
‫کاربرد ماهرانه فنون مطالعه ‪ ،‬و دیگری عالقه نسبت به مطالب خواندنی‪ .‬عالقه نسبت به مطالب خواندنی سبب‬
‫می شود تا شخص به مطالعه بيشتر بپردازد‪ .‬فراگيری فن مطالعه و مدیریت یادگيری منجر به افزای‬
‫عالقه و حجم‬
‫مطالعه و بهتر شدن فنون مطالعه می شود‪.‬‬
‫با تکنولوژی مدرن در این دنيای پيشرفته دیگر هيچ کاری برای انسان غير ممکن نيست یکی از نگرانيهای عمده‬
‫دانشجویان و دان‬
‫ب با اهميت است‪.‬‬
‫آموزان رشته های مختلف درس خواندن ‪ ،‬مدیریت یادگيری و یادگيری مطال ِ‬
‫سيستمهای مطالعه و یادگيری قدیمی‪ ،‬اگرچه در بعضی از جهات با اهميت هستند اما دیگر کافی نيستند‪ .‬همگی‬
‫ما نياز داریم سيستمهای کنترل مطالعه و یادگيری جدید عصر خود را به طور جدی بشناسيم و ب ا نق‬
‫اصلی آنها در‬
‫‪Thursday, October 18, 2012‬‬
‫زندگيمان آشنا شویم‪ .‬شما نيز می توانيد با داشتن دیدگاههای نوین نسبت به مطالعه و یاد گيری و با فراگيری‬
‫تکنولوژی مدرن‪ ،‬مطالعه و مدیریت یادگيری ‪ ،‬آینده خود را متحول کنيد‪.‬‬
‫‪.‬‬
‫به همين منظور موسسه پيام پرسا آمادگی خود را برای آشنا کردن شما با مطالعه ثمر بخ‬
‫‪ ،‬به همراه عالقه مند‬
‫کردن شما به مطالب خواندنی و آموزش فنون مطالعه و مدیریت یادگيری موثر برای خوشبختی ‪ ،‬رفاه و موفقيت آینده‬
‫شما اعالم می دارد‪ .‬با شرکت در این کالسهای جذاب نظرتان را در مورد مطالبی که می خوانيد تغيير دهيد و به‬
‫سبک جدی تری به خواندن بپردازید‪...‬‬
‫دنيای آینده پيام خوشبختی ‪ ،‬رفاه و موفقيت برای کسانی دارد که خوب و سریع یاد بگيرند‬
‫‪Payampersa English Language Institute: Preparations for TOEFL Test‬‬
‫با مدیریت یادگيری بيست گرفتن دیگر غير ممکن نيست‪.‬‬
‫دیگر چه انتظاری دارید‪ ،‬فقط یک بار تجربه کنيد‬
‫‪Payampersa English Language Institute‬‬
‫‪Payampersa offers intensive and extensive English programs that prepare‬‬
‫‪students for using English in the real world. Our programs are based on‬‬
‫‪many years of second language teaching experience and research. We offer‬‬
‫‪English instruction that prepares you for using English in an academic‬‬
‫‪context.‬‬
‫‪Our goal is to give you the skills today that are necessary to accomplish your‬‬
‫‪plans tomorrow. Our intensive classes are taught by professionally trained‬‬
‫‪and experienced instructors using the most modern methods and materials‬‬
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available. Classes are set in a comfortable atmosphere to accelerate
learning.
PAYAM PERSA Institute holds the AFAQ-EAQA Certificate of Registration which complies with The Quality
Management System requirements of ISO 9001 – 2000 From London – England For Teaching English as A foreign /
Second Language
Payampersa English Language Institute: Study Skills in Learning English Language
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Contact Us
Payampersa email: [email protected]
Payampersa Group:
http://groups.google.com/group/payampersa
Payampersa Group email:
[email protected]
Managing Director (Ahmad R. Beigi)
My Personal Web site:
http://groups.google.com/group/arbeigi
My Email: [email protected]
Postal Address:
Payampersa Language Institute
No.366, Valiasr St, Zarrinshahr, Isfahan, Iran
Tel: (+) 98 334 2220049
Fax: (+) 98 334 2220048
www.payampersa.ir
www.payampersa.org
Work hours: 8-12 am and 14-21 pm
Payampersa Quality Manager
Thursday, October 18, 2012
11