Introduction
or The story of this Site.
I began teaching adults and immigrants to communicate better in standard, college level English in the early 1980's and have been learning how to teach better and better ever since.
Students who have taken my classes have told me that they are interesting, useful and get the job done. Students have said, "If I had only taken this course before I took the college exams, I would have done much better."
Students have learned: for example, one student from a reading class came in one day with an eye-opener ('a revelation' or 'an insight'). She said to the class, "When you read, you really have to think!"
This site is designed to get you started. It is a beginning and not an end. Surely, the skills, tips, strategies, approaches and ways of thinking presented in this book are helpful, but they are not exhaustive: there is much more to learn about standard English and American culture than is contained in this site. Nevertheless, this site is designed to provide a jump-start for anyone who wants to learn entry-level college English, standard English or, formal English and assimilate ('adapt to', 'fit in to') American culture.
The lessons contained here are the topics and skills that are delivered to remedial (below college-level) students in American colleges as they begin to learn to read, write and speak standard formal English. There is much more to learn than what is in this site. It is fully expected that the student of English will continue to study and learn beyond the scope of this site. What I have done is to choose the most common issues that students confront when they attempt to add formal English skills to their informal skills.
In my writing classes, at least two thirds of the students pass and, many times three quarters of the students move on. In reading classes, even more pass. These students, of course, have the benefit of immediate feedback from me; what is more, I adjust what I am teaching to the specific needs of the students in the class. You must work a little harder because you are on your own.
Nevertheless, I expect that everyone will learn and that at least a third, and perhaps as many as half, of the students who read and heed this site could advance an entire semester in their studies. Anyone visiting this site regularly will learn the basic fundamentals of formal English.
Your expectations should be based on your skill level when you begin. This is hard work and you should expect to work hard. The only limitations on the benefits to you are the time and effort you put in.
So please, keep thinking while you are working. Read slowly and re-read whenever you want to. Pay attention and take this site for what it is: an attempt to get you started on the right path, with the right tools and the right attitude.
Good Luck!
Jon Saul, English 4 All, Inc.
Copyright: 2004 English 4 All, Inc.
