They say that a book is a teacher without pay or gratitude. And for English learners, the main “teacher without pay and gratitude” is a textbook. However, in Lately many new methods have appeared that offer to learn English without textbooks. We decided to find out what are the advantages of using manuals and in what cases it is really possible to learn English without textbooks.

Why do people want to learn English without textbooks

When we receive applications for study at our school, we often hear from people: “I don’t want to study with boring manuals.” Why is this happening? We found 3 common reasons:

1. Association with old school textbooks

Many people associate the word "textbook" with school lessons in English. No matter how good the teachers were, but the fact remains: school textbooks were not best books for learning English. Too much theory and too little practice - this is the main drawback of school manuals. Explanations of English grammar in Russian were long and not always clear. In addition, the "topics" were often boring, and we wondered why the authors do not understand that the annual story "My family" is already sitting in the liver.

Years have passed, but the opinion about textbooks has not changed: they are still considered boring, incomprehensible and completely inappropriate for today's realities. But in vain: a good teacher today uses modern authentic textbooks, which are strikingly different from the old Russian-language textbooks. So, the new manuals contain up-to-date information, topics that are interesting and really important for use in life, as well as short and understandable grammar explanations. For example, in modern textbooks you can study such necessary and fascinating topics as “What’s the right job for you?”, “Stereotypes”, “Megacities”, “Books and films”. You can read in detail in our review about and make sure that these are not boring books at all.

2. Craving for creativity

Another category of people believes that the textbook is a boring standardized plan that does not take into account the individual needs and abilities of each person. It seems to them that tutorial restricts them, forces them to study banal desired topics cut off from life. Therefore, such people want to go beyond the textbook, learn something exciting and at the same time in an easy way, and not be limited to cramming and grammar exercises.

It should be noted that modern textbooks are a set relevant topics set out in an interesting and easy way. So, in the manuals they offer creative exercises that make us get involved in work, be interested in English. Instead of tasks with unambiguous answers, you will need to puzzle over non-standard topics, interesting questions. In addition, textbooks often cover fascinating facts, biographies of successful contemporaries, unusual concepts - topics that are useful not only for English, but also for broadening one's horizons.

3. Dislike of grammar

Some English learners say: “Why do I need a textbook if I just want to talk in English. I don't need grammar, I want to learn phrases for conversation." Such people often turn to our school with a request to learn not from textbooks, but simply to talk with the teacher.

On the one hand, the emphasis on speaking practice is the credo of our school, on the other hand, in order for your speech to sound at the level of an adult, you need to know basic grammar. “Only talking” with a teacher makes sense at high levels of English proficiency, when you already have a good vocabulary, know grammar and you just have to “talk”. If your level is not yet high, using a textbook will allow you to form a vocabulary for communication, learn grammar for speech literacy, and also learn how to speak on current topics. For example, in our school, in any case, you will speak English for at least 70% of the lesson time, and the manual is a reference material that will give you a topic for discussion, lexical and grammatical material.

Benefits of using teaching aids

You have already guessed that we are all for the use of textbooks on English language. To sway you to the side of the right approach to learning, here are a few advantages that textbooks give us:

1. Structured information

Why do thousands of people ask the question "How to learn English?" Because they don't know where to start. The English manual is a logically structured training program. The textbook gives us a clear plan for learning the language. It is especially important to have such a plan for those who have never studied foreign languages ​​and do not know what to grasp first. In any modern manual the authors adhere to the principle "from simple to complex" when presenting the material. This way, you won't need to look for any additional sources of information and guides to understand in what order you should learn the language.

2. Dosed information

Even the simplest tense in English, Present Simple, has 8 functions. But are these functions necessary for a person with an Elementary level? Of course not, you won’t understand most of them yet, and you won’t need them. What then will be needed? You will find the answer to this question in the manual for your level of knowledge: you will be given only the information that is really needed at the moment.

3. Development of all skills

When learning English, one should remember the main rule: all language skills must be developed simultaneously. This principle is implemented in modern authentic textbooks: you discuss something in English, read texts, listen to audio materials for the textbook, write different kinds written works. Moreover, in the textbooks there will definitely be exercises to increase vocabulary, working out grammar, as well as studying English pronunciation and intonation. When learning English without aids, you will have to look for a large number of different exercises to work on all these skills. At the same time, you may be tempted not to do what is not working, and this can slow down progress.

4. Current vocabulary

All authentic textbooks are designed in such a way that you learn the most frequently used words and phrases. The authors suggest studying vocabulary using interesting texts and audio recordings, and speaking and grammar exercises will allow you to practice using the learned words in practice. When learning without a manual, it will be difficult to figure out which words to learn in the first place, what you really need in a speech. The tutorial solves this problem for you.

5. Exercises for repetition and consolidation of the material

The textbook organizes for you a convenient and effective system of repetition and consolidation of the material. So, vocabulary and grammatical constructions from one lesson are repeated in subsequent ones. That is, you periodically return to topics already covered and work through the material again.

In addition, in any modern textbook there are tests to test knowledge gained in several lessons. This will allow you to find out how well you have learned the material and whether any topics need to be repeated.

6. Debriefing

There are always answers to all the exercises in the textbook. Even if you are studying on your own, you can see the correct answer at any time. You can also understand why you made a mistake, because all the exercises in the textbook are based on the theory presented in it. If necessary, you can return to the grammar comment and figure out what the essence of your mistake is. There are many sites on the Internet with hundreds of tests and exercises in English, and we highly recommend studying with them, but still this is an inferior replacement for a textbook. So, you will not always be able to check the answers, and if they are, it will not be easy to deal with them, because the tests rarely come with any theoretical explanation. By the way, ours not only checks your answers, but also gives detailed explanations and recommendations for correcting errors. Do you already know your level of knowledge?

7. Material that is always with you

It doesn't matter whether you have a printed version of the textbook or an electronic version, the completed assignments will always be in your hands. If necessary, you can return to them, review your mistakes. By the way, she always saved her notes and periodically reviewed them, believing that this helps her to repeat the material and better understand it. If you do the exercises online, you will not save any data and you will not be able to track your progress.

8. Save time

All the previous points boil down to the fact that the textbook allows you to save a significant amount of time searching for materials. So, one manual allows you to train all skills and already contains a logical and accessible training program. If you decide to do without a textbook and still learn the language on your own, you will be constantly looking for suitable materials, and this takes up precious time that could be spent on learning.

When can I learn English without a textbook

And yet, we cannot say with a 100% guarantee that it is impossible to study English without aids. Some polyglots claim that they do not use aids in the study of foreign languages. They study audio and video materials, find pen pals, and learn the basics of the language with a teacher. We can distinguish several categories of people who can try to learn English without textbooks:

1. You have a high level of knowledge

If you have already passed the Upper-Intermediate or Advanced level and do not want to study from the manual, you can try to learn from the materials from the Internet. The point is that on high level you already understand how to learn English and can quickly find materials suitable for your level. By the way, in the article "" we named 8 good reasons to study at least to the average level. And in the article "" you will find links to useful materials.

2. You have a specific goal of learning English

It happens that for work you need to study some specific topics in English. For example, you need to prepare for negotiations with foreign partners in the field of information technologies. Or do you need . Of course, in such cases, we are not talking about a textbook: you need materials on specific topics, not a general program.

3. You rely on quality material on the Internet

You can try to learn English not from standard textbooks, but from lessons that are posted on the Internet. Hundreds of resources offer such materials, and it can be difficult to choose really high-quality ones. We recommend giving preference not just to videos, but to articles that explain the topic in detail, there are tests to check the assimilation of the material, as well as Feedback to set exciting questions. For example, our English learning blog already features an interactive grammar tutorial compiled by our teachers. And our subscribers have access to special "Lessons of the Week for Beginners", which help them learn English in a logical sequence. And, of course, we are always ready to answer your questions in the comments.

If you are studying English with a teacher, then he will be able to pick up good and the right materials in such a way that you do not have the feeling that you are learning from a textbook. For example, in our school, such training is available as part of a personal course.

We have given you the pros and cons of learning English without textbooks, but the final decision is up to you. We can provide you with assistance in learning English within the framework, where you will learn the language optimally and effective way: according to modern interesting textbooks. If you want to try to learn English without textbooks, we suggest that you fulfill your dream within the framework, where the teacher selects for you the materials that you want to use in the lessons.

And, if so, when and where to start?". There is an opinion that the early start of learning a language is an unforgivable complication of the content preschool education, and harmful, because "deprives the child of childhood." However, the existing experience of domestic and foreign research in this area proves that the study of a foreign language, in the case of proper organization of classes, develops children, raises their educational and cultural level.

So, as a result of an experiment conducted in schools in England and Wales, which involved 6,000 children, it was found that foreign language classes have a positive effect on knowledge of their native language, many children with weak general abilities showed excellent success in speaking in a foreign language. Studies by leading universities in the US and Canada have shown that bilingual children develop cognitive abilities better than monolinguals. The favorable influence of learning a second language on the development of native speech was proved by L. S. Vygotsky, noted by L. V. Shcherba, and other domestic scientists. Long-term experimental teaching of a foreign language, conducted by the team of the laboratory of teaching foreign languages ​​of the Research Institute of General and Secondary Education of the APS of the Russian Federation, confirmed "the beneficial effect of the subject on children: on their general mental development (memory, attention, imagination, thinking), on the development of adequate behavior in children in different life situations, for a better command of the native language, for speech development children in general."

Of course, studies on the impact of foreign language learning on general development the child cannot be considered complete, but it seems possible to argue that the study of a foreign language does not have a negative impact on the formation of the child's personality. Rather, based on the results of experimental schools, we can talk about the positive impact of a foreign language on the development of children.

At what age is it better to start learning a foreign language? Many parents wonder if they started teaching their child a foreign language too early, and what age is most favorable for starting classes. There is no unequivocal opinion on this matter. Some practicing teachers are sure that "the best thing is to talk to a child in foreign languages ​​from the day of his birth. This develops hearing, gives an idea of ​​the sound diversity of the world." (Karine Neshcheret, director of the "Intellect" school).

Let's turn to theory. Both in the domestic (L. S. Vygotsky, S. I. Rubinshten), and in foreign psychology(B. White, J. Bruner, W. Penfield, R. Roberts, T. Eliot) there is evidence that the child learns a foreign language more easily than an adult. The duration of the sensitive period is characterized by different authors differently: Penfield and Roberts define it from 4 to 8 years, Eliot - from 1.5 to 7 years. Physiologists believe that “there is a biological clock of the brain, just as there are stages in the development of the endocrine glands of a child in time. A child under nine years old is a specialist in mastering speech. After this period, the brain mechanisms of speech become less flexible and cannot easily adapt to new conditions. After the age of 10, there are many obstacles to overcome. The child's brain has a specialized ability for a foreign language, but it decreases with age." (Penfield V., Roberts L. Speech and brain mechanisms. - L .: Medicine, 1964. - S. 217.)

Most researchers agree that special foreign language classes can be carried out with children aged 3-10, up to 3 - it's pointless, after 10 - it's useless to hope for a positive result, which is possible only for a small part of students, those who have communicative and linguistic characteristics above average. Best to study foreign language at the age of 5 - 8, when the system of the native language is already well enough mastered by the child, and he consciously relates to the new language. It is at this age that there are still few clichés of speech behavior, it is easy to "code" one's thoughts in a new way, there are no great difficulties when making contact in a foreign language. If the methodological system is built quite competently from a linguodidactic and psycholinguistic point of view, then success in mastering the proposed limited language material and creating the necessary prerequisites for the further assimilation of any foreign language is ensured by almost all children. (Teaching a foreign language to preschoolers / review of theoretical positions. Foreign languages ​​at school. No. 1. 1990. P. 38 - 42.)

Karnikova E.A.,

English teacher

MOU school number 124, Samara

Today it is difficult to be a truly literate and interesting person if you do not know English - this language once upon a time became the language of international communication, but even being far from the centers of international trade and diplomacy, it is simply necessary to know it. Do you want some arguments in favor of resuming English teaching, even if the relationship with him did not work out from school?

So, the first reason is practical. Without knowing the language, it is difficult to apply for good position- if you write in the questionnaire that you speak English at the school level, and someone indicates that it is colloquial, this “someone” will surely bypass you. The vast majority of employers console themselves with the thought that sooner or later their company will enter the international level, and therefore prefer to hire personnel with the necessary skills. Therefore, even if you still have plans to learn English online, feel free to write that you already know it, without postponing classes for a long time. Subsequently, an advanced level of English will help you directly draw information on your specialty from excellent international publications.

The second reason. Today, tourist trips abroad have become very affordable. Therefore, it is not at all excluded that soon you will go to a place where it will be very difficult to speak Russian. However, residents of most tourist countries are fluent in broken English, and speaking English more or less tolerably, you can avoid funny situations, dangers and even financial costs, because it is much more difficult to deceive a person who is not in an information vacuum.

Reason three. The spread of the Internet has made it possible to make acquaintances around the world, flirt and even enter into international marriages. Banal ignorance of the language can interfere with the development of romantic relationships, and vice versa, English will help you make pleasant and useful acquaintances.

Reason four. In order to feel like a very cultured person, you should read Shakespeare or Byron in English, so to speak, in the original, and even better, learn a couple of sonnets and, if necessary, read them in a warm company. This will certainly make a good impression. And in general, the more a person knows, the more valuable he is to others.

Is it difficult to improve your level of English? Today it is no longer - we will not argue that English courses in St. Petersburg are likely to be more productive than in the periphery. But even in small towns you can find an opportunity to learn the language, if you make an effort. After all, the main thing is desire, right? Good luck!

Greetings, dear readers, in another article on self-development.

Today we will touch on the importance of learning English. We will give you the arguments for and against, as well as analyze some resources that will help you in learning.

Let's start with you with arguments against, which are very few, but they still exist among the people and are distributed in geometric progression between ordinary people, crushing at the root of their desire to develop and become successful people. So that this does not happen so often and so that my conscience does not gnaw at me, I will give you a couple of such arguments and prove to you that they are not supported by reality.

Arguments against language learning

So the argument a number of times is that people think they don't need English in their life in principle. This is perhaps the most profound and merciless delusion. In our time, technology is developing extraordinarily rapidly, mainly information, the spheres of economic activity are also expanding, and we, like the rest of the world, are undergoing gradual globalization.

The problem is that all these processes are taking place under the American and British flag, and in order to keep up with progress, we need to stay on the wave with the rest of the world, and not wait for our good people will decide to translate new progressive technologies and information solutions into our native language. It may not happen at all or it may happen very late. And if it happens, then, for sure, not for disinterested purposes. Remember, for example, what translates from English the fastest. And the fastest, just translated popular films and books. Why? Because there is a material interest. And now think, is anyone interested in your education and development besides you?!

Now argument number 2: Many people know English on their own. basic level and they think that it is enough for them. Oh, how deluded they are! In itself, development involves communication with the right environment and literally verbatim knowledge of the language. How will knowing a couple of words in the form: milk, newspaper, yogurt and my mother works as an engineer help such people if they suddenly have to reserve a hotel room when they go on vacation. Or they will need to know what time and where the breakfast will take place. Is the cost of breakfast included in the price of the tour and the like.

And finally 3, the most offensive and stupidest excuse or argument in my opinion. People say: "I will never need English, I will find everything in mother tongue and in general, I don’t think that I will ever meet a person who wants to communicate with me in English. "Here, probably, it’s not even worth trying. The person is a staunch conservative, to put it mildly. I was sitting in my cave, so let it go on there and sits until the fried rooster pecks. And when it pecks, it will be, believe me, too late. But let's leave these people alone. It's their choice, and if you meddle with them with your convictions, you will still remain misunderstood, and even an insulting word to you for sure Think about it, why do you need it?!

What will knowledge of English give you?

And now let's talk about the positive factors that learning this language will bring you. Firstly, like any difficult task that you complete, this will give you more confidence in yourself and your abilities, which is already important. After all, the stronger and more confident you feel, the easier it is for you to solve complex issues and the easier difficult things will seem to you.

Secondly, these are the factors I mentioned above, where I wrote about how negative beliefs are harmful to your future. It really is, take my word for it. You will no longer lag behind the world and will be the first to be informed, new knowledge will also be available to you to receive one of the first.

Thirdly, when learning a language, you expand your global boundaries. Actually your own world. You can already watch the news of another country, appreciate its culture and understand its position in relation to what is happening. Often this is useful when reading newspapers and watching the news. You will already have the opportunity to evaluate a new incident from different angles, and not only under the prism of our media and the beliefs instilled in us. As you already know, everything is known in comparison, and in order to have something to compare with, we, in fact, need knowledge of other languages. In addition, you can, if you wish, visit the country whose language you studied and it can become your second refuge in case of any critical situation.

Free Websites for Learning English

Now I will give a couple of resources that I myself use to learn the language and the quality of which I found to be good. At least in relation to other services.

First on our list is lingualeo.ru Here you can train your English skills daily and for free. Moreover, the service is made as convenient and simple as possible for understanding and studying materials in English. Here is your personal dictionary. Dictionaries with the most frequently used parts of speech in English and, of course, the grammar rules of this very language. In essence, the resource is such a collection of materials for learning English scattered across the Internet.

Second on the list for better study I will bring you funny british teacher channel. It will help you simply effortlessly raise your English level one step higher.

And, finally, the third resource I will give you is the site of another British podcaster who does charity work and generally works for the benefit of society www.podcastsinenglish.com I especially liked his approach. Using the example of ordinary and at the same time interesting life stories, he manages to tell how grammar is used in English and why it is needed at all.

Brazhnikov Alexander. School №1, Akbulak, Orenburg region, Russia
Essay in English with translation (topic in English)

What can you say for and against learning foreign language in a native speaking environment?

They say that it is better to study a foreign language in a native country, but there is another opinion: it is possible to learn it without going abroad. So we have different opinions which we'll try to discuss.

Some people think that learning English abroad is more productive. Let's discuss arguments "for". Firstly, children, living in an English-speaking country, have the opportunity not only to study the language at school, but to communicate with foreigners. Secondly, they may visit various concerts, shows and brush up English there. Thirdly, to know the language properly is impossible without knowledge of the native country's history and its sights. How wonderful it is to visit historical places listening to excursions in English language!

But there are some arguments “against”. Firstly, it's difficult to live far away from your family. Then, in my opinion, not every person could pay for such kind of education. And lastly, there is no necessity to study English abroad if you are not going to be an interpreter.

As for me, I may simply prove my English using special programs on-line. In the center City & Guilds, for example. I have Internet at home and my parents will give me money for such courses. From the one hand, I would be with my family. From the other hand, it would be much cheaper.

They say that it is better to learn a foreign language in your native country, but there is another opinion: it is possible to study it without going abroad. So we have different opinions that we will try to discuss.

Some people think that learning English abroad is more productive. Let's discuss the pros. Firstly, children living in an English-speaking country have the opportunity to learn the language not only at school, but also by communicating with foreigners. Secondly, they can attend various concerts, shows and improve their English there. Thirdly, it is impossible to know the language perfectly without knowing the history and sights of the country - the native speaker. How amazing it is to visit historical sites while listening to guided tours in English!

But there are also several arguments against. First, it is difficult to live away from your family. Then, in my opinion, not every person can afford education of this kind. Finally, there is no need to study English abroad if you are not going to be a translator.

As for me, I can simply improve my English through various online programs. In the center of City & Guilds, for example. I have Internet at home and my parents will pay for such courses. On the one hand, I could be with my family. On the other hand, it would be much cheaper.