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 e 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 bees 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 EnglishB．everyone will meet people speaking English with some mistakesC．making mistakes is a must in making progress in learning EnglishD．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．A
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(答案→)A
解析：本文讲述了如何提高英语学习者的口语水平的多个技巧和方法。
【小题1】猜词题。根据第一段前3行Among the four skills in learning English ,which 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!说明问的是：在四种学习英语的技巧中，哪种不一样？故该词是指与别的不一样的事物。故A正确。
【小题2】推理题。根据文章倒数第三段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!可知你自言自语的声音不能太大，否则会引起别人的误会。而且你说话的内容也很奇怪，也许对方会认为你有精神病。医生会将你留在医院，故B正确。
【小题3】细节题：从第三段的句子：If you pay to go to a language school, you should use the opportunity to speak．可知在学校学习英语是需要付钱的，从第四段的句子：They are usually free although some may charge a small entrance fee．可知在Conversation Clubs学习英语是需要付钱的，选A。
【小题4】推理题。根据文章最后一段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!可知犯错了以后你才知道自己有问题，才会更加努力地学习。才会有进步。故C正确。
【小题5】细节题。根据文章倒数第三段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!可知A项这样的活动是专家不建议初学者做的。故A正确。