If 4th-period Spanish class has ya heading for
the hills or German is becoming too much to handle, toss aside your textbook
and take a look at our top tips for acing your next foreign language test.
Start a study group
Some language concepts come more easily to some people than
to others. Getting together with your peers to study a difficult conjugation or
quiz each other on new vocab can be helpful. Sometimes another student’s
explanation for an idea can flip the switch that your teacher or your textbook
never did. Try coming up with memory devices as a group that will help you
remember certain concepts. Songs, stories and sayings will stick with you, so
give them a try.
Boost your grammar
A lot of students struggle in foreign languages because they
don’t know how to express their thoughts. If your class is stuck learning about
farm animals and the present tense, try studying up on your own so you can talk
about how you watched a chick hatch over spring break. Quizzing yourself with
flash cards and jotting down verb conjugations can help you recall your
newfound knowledge.
Try a tutor
Having trouble understanding your teacher? No worries, babe.
Your predicament isn’t at all unusual. Ask the head of your school’s foreign
language department for suggestions and check out bulletin boards in and around
your school. If you connected with a teacher you had a few years ago, get back
in touch and see if she’d be willing to help you out.
Log on
There are a bunch of fantastic resources online that will
give you the help and practice you need for free. Ask your teacher for
recommendations or do a google search. For fun, test your knowledge with
language games here.
Get chatty
We know, oral reports totally stink, but for most language-learners,
they’re unavoidable. To get comfy speaking in front of your class, try grabbing
a friend or two and spend maybe 10 minutes a day chattering in your language of
choice. Talk on IM, on the phone, in person, whatever works. You’ll feel fab in
no time!
Bonne chance, babe!
BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 3/24/2011 7:00:00 AM
POSTED IN school, studying secrets, grades