Topic Three (1.3): It’s good to learn languages

Objectives for this topic

  • to listen to and give opinions about learning languages;
  • to use -ing forms as subjects and objects (learning a language is..).

Introduction

In this topic, you will listen to short interviews about speaking another language.

Working through your coursebook

Please work through the following sections in your coursebook, completing all listed exercises:

  • Page 16, Exercise 1 – Look at the picture at the top of page 16. What language do you think the child is writing?
  • Page 16, Exercise 1 – Listen to Track 04. You will hear some short interviews about speaking another language. Each speaker talks about a different topic. Copy out the names and topics in Exercise 1 and match the topics to the names.

LISTEN – Track 04

  • Page 16, Exercise 2 – Now let’s learn more vocabulary! Match the words and phrases from the text with their meanings. Remember to look up any words that are new to you and make a note of their meaning.
  • Page 16 – Use of English: -ing forms as subjects and objects. Look carefully at where the subject and object go in the sentences. Copy out the examples in the box.
  • Page 17, Exercise 3 – Listen to Track 04 again and complete the sentences using the -ing form.
  • Page 17, Exercise 4 – Listen again and answer the questions.
  • Page 17, Exercise 5 – Write out the words/phrases in Exercise 5 into your notebook. Listen to the interviews again. Tick each word/phrase as you hear it. If you miss a word/phrase listen again until you have ticked every word/phrase.

Review

  • What are your views about the advantages of learning other languages? Write your answer using some of the words and phrases in Exercises 2, 3, 4 and 5.

 Support activity for this topic

  • If you like learning languages, this next task is for you! View the presentation in ‘slide show’ mode and listen to some basic phrases in new languages - from Spanish to Cantonese. You may even speak one of the languages that are mentioned!

Download READ – Languages around the world (PowerPoint)

Extension activity for this topic

  • Revise how to express quantity. Have a look at the link below.  Select the answer you think is right. 

PRACTISE – Expressing quantity (Thought Co) Links to an external site.

Grammar

  • Focus on the Use of English box and read the examples again. Remember that a verb can be followed by another verb. The second one usually needs to change into the -ing form or the to + infinitive form. Which form you use depends on what the first verb is. Look at these examples to see how the verb forms are used:

I enjoy playing tennis.

I want to learn Mandarin.

  • Complete the interactive activities on this page to help you understand this grammar rule. Remember to read the explanation to help you.

PRACTISE – Verbs followed by '-ing' or by 'to' + infinitive 1 (British Council) Links to an external site.

Check your answers

  • If you would like to check your answers to the exercises in this topic, please consult this document Download here. The section with the answers is highlighted in yellow.
  • If you would like to access the audioscript(s) for this topic, please click Download here.