Fun Easy English Classroom January 4
 
 
 
 

Classroom
Today


Think about why you
are studying English
Why are you studying English?

Today in the Fun Easy English classroom you will think about why you are studying English. A basic knowledge of English has become a requirement in a number of fields, occupations, and professions. Although many people learn English for their careers, still many learn English for other reasons. Why are you studying English?
Hey if you cannot understand something on this page,
then use the Fun Easy English dictionary (opens in a new window)
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Video: English Language
 
Video Script: English Language

Hi. In the classroom today you will learn a few facts about the English language.

Approximately 375 million people speak English as their first language.

English today is probably the third largest language by number of native speakers, after Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.

Including second language English speakers, the total number of English speakers ranges from 500 million to over one billion people depending on the level of the speaker.

The countries with the highest populations of native English speakers are
  • United States with 215 million
  • United Kingdom with 58 million
  • Canada with 18.2 million
  • Australia with 15.5 million
  • Ireland with 3.8 million
  • South Africa with 3.7 million
  • New Zealand with 3.5 million
India has the largest number of English as a Second Language speakers.

Following India is the People's Republic of China.

Modern English is the main international language in communications, science, business, aviation, entertainment, radio, and diplomacy.

A basic knowledge of English has become a requirement in a number of fields, occupations, and professions.

Although many people learn English for their careers, still many learn English for other reasons.

Why are you studying English?

Until next time.
From YOUR Teacher: Why am I studying English?

Even though I am a native English speaker with a standard American English accent, I continue to study different aspects of the English language. English teaching is my career and it is important to know as much as possible in order to be an effective teacher. I especially like to study English accents from different regions throughout the world. I think English pronunciation and accent reduction is most important for English language students. Understanding idioms and slang are also important and fun to learn.

I am also a language student and in the past studied Hebrew, French, Spanish, and now Japanese. In the future I am hoping to find time to study Hindi, Chinese, Arabic, and Korean. Maybe even a few others. Language study is fascinating and a great way to meet new people.
Survey: Why are you studying English?

English is the most studied language in the world. Everyone has different reasons for studying English.
Choose your reason for studying English on the survey below.
 
Additional Lessons
About These Lessons

The following classroom lessons are great for students who want additional conversation, listening, and reading practice.
  • Conversation Lesson - Beginner Level. Let's Learn English conversation lesson with a conversation video, a video script, audio listening practice, video speaking practice, video pronunciation practice, a new words section, and a writing activity.
Conversation Lesson 4 - What Is It?
(Beginner - Conversation, Listening, Reading)

Anna is new to Washington, DC. She meets her friends to go out for coffee. Anna has many things in her bag.
Lesson Video

Watch the video and then do the activities on this page.
Video Script

Anna: Pete, hi! Hi, we are here!
Pete: Hi, Anna! Hi, Marsha!
Anna: Hi!
Pete: How are you two?
Marsha: I am great!
Anna: You know, Pete, I am new to D.C. The city is big.
Pete: Yeah. But you learn a little more every day. How's the new apartment?
Anna: The new apartment is great! Let's get coffee!
Marsha: Anna, do you have a pen?
Anna: Yes. I have a pen in my bag.
Anna: I have a …
Pete: It is not a pen. It is a book. It is a big book.
Anna: Yes. Yes it is, Pete. I know I have a pen, though…
Anna: I have a ....
Marsha: It is not a pen, Anna ... a toy?
Anna: I have a ....
Pete: And it is a pillow!
Anna: Pete, Marsha, I know I have a pen.
Marsha: Anna, it is a map.
Pete: Why do you have a map of the world?
Anna: Pete, Marsha. Now I know I have a pen.
Pete: And now you have a lamp.
Marsha: Anna.
Anna: I have a pen! Let’s get coffee!
Listening

Now practice listening to only the audio portion of the conversation.
Speaking

Listen and practice saying the new words for this lesson. Practice the grammar and question structures.
Pronunciation

Often English speakers do not say the word "and" carefully. Watch the video to learn about this reduced form in American English.
New Words
  • bag - n. a soft container used to hold money and other small things
  • big - adj. large in size
  • book - n. a set of printed sheets of paper that are held together inside a cover or a long written work
  • coffee - n. a dark brown drink made from ground coffee beans and boiled water
  • lamp - n. a device that produces light
  • little - adj. small in size
  • map - n. a picture or chart that shows the rivers, mountains, streets, etc., in a particular area
  • pen - n. a writing instrument that uses ink
  • pillow - n. a bag filled with soft material that is used as a cushion usually for the head of a person who is lying down
  • toy - n. something a child plays with
  • world - n. the earth and all the people and things on it
Activity

Do the activity and practice writing the names of common objects. Click lesson activity to get the printable PDF version. The page opens to a new window.
Conversation Lessons

Study all 52 English conversation lessons. Let's Learn English conversation lessons each with a conversation video, a video script, audio listening practice, video speaking practice, video pronunciation practice, a new words section, and a writing activity. These lessons are for beginners.
Source: Voice of America
Additional Information
Study Tips
(Beginner - Listening)

Avoid Ineffective Study Methods. An audio lesson to help you study English more effectively. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Great English study tips.
Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.