Among the four skills in learning English，which one of these is the “odd-man-out”? The answer is speaking．The other three you can do alone on your own．But you can’t really speak alone! Speaking to yourself can be “dangerous” because men in white coats may come and take you away!
Where can you find people to speak English? And how can you practise speaking when you are alone?
At school If you pay to go to a language school, you should use the opportunity to speak．If your teacher asks you to speak in pairs or groups with other students, try to say as much as possible．Don’t worry about your mistakes．Just speak!
Conversation Clubs Many cities around the world have conversation clubs where people can exchange one language for another．Look in your local newspaper to find a conversation club near you．They are usually free although some may charge a small entrance fee．
Shopping Even if you don’t want to buy anything，you can ask questions about products that interest you in a shop．“How much does this cost?” ‘‘Can I pay by cheque?” Often you can start a real conversation-and it costs you nothing!
Café and Bars There are often American，Britain，Irish and Australlan bars in many large cities．If you can find one，you’ll probably meet many people speaking English as a first or second language．
Language ia all aroundyou Everywhere you go，you find language．Shop names，street names，advertisements，notices，and car numbers—When you walk down the street，practise reading the words and numbers that you see．Say them to yourself. It’s not exactly a conversation, but it will help you to“think” in English．But don’t speak too loud!
Songs and Video Repeat the words of an English—language song singing with the music until it becomes automatic．It’s good practice for your memory and for the mouth muscles that you need for English．
Above all, speak as much as possible! Make as many mistakes as possible! When you know that you have made a mistake，you know that you have made progress!
小题1:What does “odd-man-out” probably mean according to the passage?
A．Someone or something appearing different from the others．
B．Someone or something standing out of the group．
C．Someone or something arranged in pairs．
D．Someone or something that can be easily mistaken for another．小题2:What might happen if you speak to yourself loudly in public?
A．The police will take you away and punish you．
B．The doctors will force you to stay in hospital．
C．You will have to pay to escape being punished．
D．You will be forbidden to be member of the club．小题3:In which places can you learn English NOT free of charge?
A．At school, in conversation clubs and café and bars．
B．At school, in shops and café bars．
C．In conversation clubs，shops，songs and video．
D．In conversation clubs and in the streets．小题4:Why does the writer say “Make as many mistakes as possible”? Because ．
A．everyone will make mistakes in learning English
B．everyone will meet people speaking English with some mistakes
C．making mistakes is a must in making progress in learning English
D．making mistakes can make one realize the importance of speaking小题5:According to the passage，which way is NOT likely to be accepted by English beginners?
A．Recite poems loudly along the riverside．
B．Listen to some English fashion songs and video．
C．Find an Englishman to speak English with．
D．In class, try to practise in groups or pairs．
