Mrs. Neem Shrestha
English Teacher
Lower Secondary Level
English is the language of international communication. It is widely used in education, mass media, information and communication technology (ICT), business, tourism, science and medicine. English is also a popular language in Nepal, particularly in the field of education, science and technology, media, travel and so on. It is taught as a compulsory subject right from Pre level.
English language plays an essential role in our lives as it helps in communication. It is the main language for studying any subject all over the world. English is important for students as it broadens their minds, develops emotional skills, and improves the quality of life by providing job opportunities.
Moreover, the use of English as an International language is growing with time because it is the only medium for communication in many countries. English is also used widely in the literature and media section to publish books. Most of the writers write in English language as the vast majority of readers know English language and they can describe their ideas best in this language.
We are aware that English language skills depend upon four core skills.
These skills are essential for learning English language:
• Listening skills: It improves the imagination and vocabulary of a learner. While listening, we visualize the scene and commit them in our memory.
• Speaking skills: When a learner speaks, he gets to know his mistakes and he can improve it further.
• Reading skills: Reading a book or a passage helps in improving the vocabulary and concentration of a learner.
• Writing skills: When we write, we get to know what we are writing and do we know the spellings of all words.
If a student masters these four skills, then his English will automatically improve and gain confidence in presenting his skills.
As an English teacher, I would like to advise all the students to follow the following points to improve English language skills.
• Learn five new words with meaning daily and then make sentences using those words.
• Try to speak in English with friends, neighbors and family members.
• Make a list of daily used items in English and try to use them on a regular basis.
• Watch English news channels, movies, serials, etc. and try to understand them.
• Read English magazines, newspapers, novels, etc. Underline the word you find tough and find its meaning in the dictionary.
• Participate in group discussions, this will give you confidence.
• Try to make notes on daily basis or start writing a diary.
• Practice speaking skills for 5 minutes daily in front of the mirror.
• Practice grammar exercises.
• Start thinking in English and write stories to improve both speaking and writing skills.
• Never feel shy while speaking. One can learn only by speaking.
The importance of English language is wider in education. A student in Nepal studies all the subjects in English language except Nepali and Social Studies etc. If he knows the general rules of grammar well, then he can easily write the notes. At last I want to suggest all the students to make habit of reading extra English books and then write review on it. Please don’t use the broken language like as ‘come na’, ‘give na ‘, ‘take na’ etc.