英语水平卡在中级？这些办法助你有效突破！

Stuck at intermediate level English? Try these tips

常速 | 四级（偏难）| 312词| 2min4s

刘立军供稿

Part I. QUESTIONS

Listen to the passage and choose the best answer to each question you hear.

Q1. What does Paul Nation suggest in his article ‘The four strands’?

A. Focus only on grammar exercises.

B. Use flash cards to build vocabulary.

C. Engage in meaning-focused learning.

D. Avoid reading and listening activities.

Q2. According to Merrill Swain’s ‘Output Hypothesis,’ what is one benefit of speaking?

A. It helps improve vocabulary directly.

B. It highlights gaps in knowledge.

C. It eliminates the need for feedback.

D. It focuses on learning new grammar rules.

Q3. What is a recommended method to practice fluency?

A. Memorize new vocabulary daily.

B. Avoid experimenting with language.

C. Focus on writing essays.

D. Repeat speaking exercises with shorter timers.

Q4. What can be inferred about breaking through the intermediate plateau?

A. It requires a combination of varied activities.

B. It is best achieved by focusing solely on grammar.

C. It happens naturally over time without effort.

D. It is easier than reaching the intermediate level.

Q5. What is the main purpose of the passage?

A. To explain the importance of grammar exercises.

B. To provide tips for overcoming the intermediate plateau.

C. To discuss the benefits of meaning-focused learning.

D. To highlight the role of fluency in language mastery.

Part II. TRANSCRIPT

Stuck at intermediate level English? Try these tips

So, you’ve reached an intermediate level of English – congrats! You can understand most things about familiar topics and can express yourself in most situations. But maybe you’ve been here a while, and now you’re stuck in what we call the ‘intermediate plateau’. Often when we begin learning something, progress is fast and noticeable, but perhaps now it’s difficult to see your improvements. Let’s see if some new ideas can propel your learning forward.

plateau n. 停滞期，平台期

propel v. 推动，促进

If your study routine mostly consists of flash cards and grammar exercises, it’s time to switch it up. (Q1) In an article called ‘The four strands’ by Paul Nation, he suggests that while such exercises are important for building a strong foundation, we should also make time for more meaning-focused learning. That means lots of reading and listening, with a focus on gaining knowledge and enjoyment from the topic itself and learning new vocabulary through context clues. That way, you immerse yourself in the language and get a feel for how it’s used in the real world.

strand n. 部分，方面

immerse v. 沉浸，使专注于

But don’t stop there! Next, you’ve got to actually produce the language in a purposeful way. (Q2) According to Merrill Swain’s ‘Output Hypothesis’, speaking helps us to notice holes in our knowledge that we can then work on. Speaking also gives us the chance to experiment with language and, following feedback, either correct or maintain it. What about fluency? Fluency is using what you already know smoothly and quickly, without focusing on learning new words. (Q3) Set a timer and talk to yourself about a topic, then repeat, setting a shorter timer each time.

Breaking through the intermediate plateau is tricky. (Q4) But, the key is not to rely on just one type of activity. Experiment with a well-balanced approach, varied materials, and above all, enjoy yourself, and you’ll start seeing incremental improvements that’ll send you on your way to master English at a higher level.

tricky adj. 难办的，难对付的

incremental adj. 逐步的，渐进的

Part III. KEY

Q1. C.【解析】细节题。题目出处：In an article called ‘The four strands’ by Paul Nation, he suggests that while such exercises are important for building a strong foundation, we should also make time for more meaning-focused learning. 意为：Paul Nation在一篇名为《四个方面》的文章中建议，虽然这些练习对打好基础很重要，但我们也应该留出时间进行更多以意义为导向的学习。 因此，正确答案为C。

Q2. B.【解析】细节题。题目出处：According to Merrill Swain’s ‘Output Hypothesis’, speaking helps us to notice holes in our knowledge that we can then work on. 意为：根据Merrill Swain的“输出假说”，口语表达可以帮助我们查漏补缺，从而加以改进。因此，正确答案为B。

Q3. D.【解析】细节题。题目出处：Set a timer and talk to yourself about a topic, then repeat, setting a shorter timer each time. 意为：设置一个计时器，围绕一个话题进行自我陈述，然后重复练习，每次缩短计时时间。因此，正确答案为D。

Q4. A.【解析】推理题。题目出处：But, the key is not to rely on just one type of activity. Experiment with a well-balanced approach, varied materials... 意为：关键是，不要仅依赖单一类型的活动，要尝试均衡的方法，使用多样化的材料。由此可推断，突破中级瓶颈需多管齐下，因此正确答案为A。

Q5. B.【解析】主旨题。文章主要讨论了如何突破英语学习中的“中级瓶颈”，并提供了一些具体建议，因此正确答案为B。

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