作者序
Learning a foreign language is a huge, difficult task. Unlike a lot of skills (driving and operating a machine, for example), becoming fluent in another language is an extremely time-consuming job that requires a high level of commitment and practice. In short, its a big job.
Fortunately, help is available. Well-written and organized educational material can go a long way towards making life less of a struggle for those studying English. With this book, the editor and I have created a comprehensive, effective tool designed to greatly assist and stimulate your learning experience. The book deals with a large variety of practical, everyday vocabulary that you will encounter and use in English-speaking environments. Whether you are a low-level, intermediate or even upper-intermediate English speaker, this book can help you.
The content is divided into different levels to make it easier for you to determine which words and phrases are more relevant to your needs. To make the key words and phrases more meaningful, they are presented in full sentences. In addition, the book features intonation marks to help you pronounce the vocabulary like a native English speaker. Not only is the book a valuable learning tool, it can act as a type of conversation dictionary in which you can look up vocabulary according to the different topics when necessary.
While learning English is indeed more challenging than most other activities you will engage in, developing a logical, consistent plan helps a lot. I recommend establishing a goal of learning a set number of words per week (make it realistic, though, depending on your time). Try and maintain a regular schedule to keep the momentum of studying going. Make flashcards for words you really want to add to your vocabulary (English on one side, Chinese on the other). Review them.
Let me say that again: Review them. I should probably say that again, but I think you get the point. Also, listen to the MP3 files to further enhance your pronunciation ability. Read along with the book and record yourself - then play it back to see if you are saying the words correctly.
My editor tells me this is the biggest conversation book to hit the Taiwan market (with the longest MP3 complete with Chinese translations). So, if youve purchased this book, I can tell youre an ambitious learner committed to improving your vocabulary knowledge. Youve got the right attitude. All you need to do now is take the necessary action and remain dedicated to improving
your
English ability.
Brian Foden
