中国学生英语口语自学误区(5)

The English language is composed of a hierarchy of vocabulary in terms of usefulness. Some words have broad and sweeping uses such as "thing", "get", "place" or "do", while others are useful only for a very specific context such as "export", "endanger", "identify", or "interrupt". Research has shown that with approximately 800 (some have even suggested 500) key words people can communicate very effectively in English, with few instances of getting stuck. In the times when they were stuck, they could easily ask for assistance. Now we know that 800 words is far below the level most beginner students have even before they begin their GET-4 band level. Why can‘t all CET-4 students communicate with ease?
　　We do not need a complicated linguistic answer to this question. When we think about it the answer is simple. The quantity of vocabulary has only an indirect relationship to the quantity and quality of speech. To illustrate, children learning their first language start out with a limited vocabulary, they do not know half of the words that a Chinese CET-6 student knows, but still they are able to make rapid sentences and communicate with ease. This makes common sense, for we all know that in English we can often substitute a simple word for a more complex one. For example, the word "facilitate" can be substituted with "help". Thus, the key is to learn the most useful functional words in English first and apply them often in a variety of circumstances, before trying to learn words that are more complex and used much less often.
　　Misconception Ⅳ
　　I have studied English grammar for too long, so the last thing I need is more grammar.
　　Chinese students attribute their lack of communication in English to an overemphasis on grammar and thus resist grammar practice and reviews in their self-study programs. They tend to want oral English vocabulary, phrases, expressions, and pronunciation practice. Above all, they want an English environment. However, it soon becomes apparent that students struggle when they try to create sentences and their grammar is typically riddled18 with errors. Nevertheless, students want to have nothing to do with grammar structures while doing self-study. They ignore it completely, and concentrate instead on other aspects. 　

By Nevin Blumer