Topic: Chinese Language Study

Title: More Young Americans Take Chinese Language Challenge

Author: Paul Eckert

Source: Boston.com, Reuters

Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Level: Advanced

Click for article.

Vocabulary

Try to guess what these words mean from reading the article.
If you need help, check out OneLook Dictionary Search.

New words you will see in this article:

angle(s)
clout
contemplate(s)
deem(ed)
designation
drill
festoon(ed)
geometry
glance
hone(-ing)
immersion
inaugurate(d)
loathe
master(ing)
priority(-ies)
prod(ding)
prosperous
rigorous
stroke(s)
suburb
surge(-ing)
synapse(s)
taxing
trapezoid(s)
weighty

Interesting Expressions
keen interest
keep up with
pilot program
stuffed animal(s)
take (a) challenge
what not

Talking Points

With your tutor, conversation partners, or classmates, you may wish to discuss the following:

When do you think is a good age to start learning a new language?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of learning a new language at a young age?

Which language(s) would you most like to learn? Why?

How is knowing a second language helpful to your children's future?

What do you think are the best methods for learning a new language?

For More Practice

Discuss the merits of second language learning with a child who doesn't think it's important.

Pretend your child is learning a second language that you do not know.
How can you help him/her?

Do your parents speak a second language? Would you recommend that
they learn another one? Why or why not?