My English Learning Experience in Singapore

Although language learning is important and necessary, the process can be very boring. Just like water, it is tasteless but we have to appreciate the importance of it. However, I am not aware that it has been two months since the first time I have attended the English class in Singapore. How time flies!

English learning experience in Singapore is quite memorable. I could still remember how terrible I felt after finishing my first comprehension paper. No multiple choices. No True or False. The points of answers are like butterflies, which are always beyond your grasp when pursued. I think I understand the main idea. But when it comes to some specific questions, my mind goes blank and I don’t know how to express my understanding. Another difficulty is paraphrasing. I feel that it’s much tougher to answer questions using my own words. I always find out the original sentence in certain paragraph, then wonder what I can do next. Should I change the order of words? Should I change the word with a similar word?

On the other hand, English classes in Singapore are somewhat different from those in China. In China, I studied in Xiamen foreign language school which is considered one of the best schools in teaching English. We have special English textbooks, various oral presentations and foreign language singing competitions. In spite of interesting activities using English, the English classes are fairly boring. English teachers always taught what we could learn on our own and asked us to take notes written on the blackboard. While in Singapore, tutors teach something more useful, such as how to write different kinds of essays. And also, we have more spare time to study in what we are lacking in. SSR, which we didn’t have in class before, is really helpful in reading and comprehension skills.

The more differences between classes in Singapore and those in China, the more efforts we should make. Complaining doesn’t make sense at all! What I am actually thinking about is how to get accustomed to the English classes in Singapore as soon as possible and finally lead to improvements. I have been reading novels in English, and I realize that English is not as hard as I thought. I also started to do some O-level comprehension papers as a tutor recommended us. In addition, I have been studying on the internet as well, because there are always many resources we need. It is difficult to see improvements. But I believe practice makes perfect.

Learning English is not a burden to me. I am willing to learn because I think it will be more convenient to speak in English, especial in a multi-ethnic country like Singapore. Though I will meet various obstacles while learning English here, I believe I am capable to solve them and I will bounce back whenever I lose.