Speak English Like an American

What's "Speak English Like an American" about?

• Focus on Idioms: The book is designed to help non-native English speakers understand and use American idioms effectively.
• Practical Learning: It includes dialogues and examples that demonstrate how idioms are used in everyday conversations.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Over 300 of the most common American idioms are covered, making it a valuable resource for learners.
• Supplementary CD: The book comes with a CD to aid in pronunciation and retention of idioms.

Why should I read "Speak English Like an American"?

• Improve Fluency: It helps you speak English more naturally by incorporating idioms into your vocabulary.
• Cultural Insight: Understanding idioms gives you a deeper insight into American culture and communication styles.
• Practical Application: The book provides real-life scenarios where idioms are used, making it easier to apply them in conversations.
• Enhanced Comprehension: It aids in better understanding of books, newspapers, and TV shows that frequently use idiomatic expressions.

What are the key takeaways of "Speak English Like an American"?

• Idioms are Essential: Mastering idioms is crucial for speaking English like a native.
• Literal Translation Pitfalls: Translating idioms word-for-word often leads to confusion; understanding them as a whole is necessary.
• Fixed Structures: Idioms often have fixed word orders and structures that must be memorized.
• Practice and Exposure: Regular practice and exposure to idioms in context are vital for mastery.

How does Amy Gillett suggest learning idioms effectively?

• Use Notecards: Write idioms on notecards and review them regularly to reinforce memory.
• Listen and Repeat: Use the accompanying CD to listen to dialogues and repeat them to improve pronunciation.
• Contextual Learning: Focus on understanding idioms within the context of dialogues and scenarios provided in the book.
• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask native speakers for explanations when you encounter unfamiliar idioms.

What are some examples of idioms from the book and their meanings?

• "Out of this world": Used to describe something exceptionally good, often food.
• "Break the news": Means to make something known, usually something significant.
• "Cost an arm and a leg": Refers to something very expensive.
• "Go belly-up": Means to go bankrupt or fail financially.

What are the main characters in "Speak English Like an American"?

• The Johnson Family: The book follows the Johnson family, including Bob, Susan, Ted, and Nicole, as they navigate various situations.
• Bob: A manager who faces challenges at work and eventually starts a cookie business.
• Susan: Bob's wife, who supports the family and explores business opportunities.
• Ted and Nicole: Their children, who deal with school and personal ambitions.

How does the book structure its lessons?

• Dialogue-Based: Each lesson is structured around dialogues that incorporate idioms in context.
• Progressive Learning: Lessons build on each other, gradually introducing more complex idioms.
• Review Sections: Regular review sections help reinforce the idioms learned in previous lessons.
• Practical Exercises: Exercises and practice questions are included to test understanding and application.

What are the best quotes from "Speak English Like an American" and what do they mean?

• "Master idioms and your speech will be less awkward, less foreign." This emphasizes the importance of idioms in achieving fluency.
• "Idioms add color to the language." Highlights how idioms make conversations more engaging and expressive.
• "If you translate each word on its own, you'll miss the meaning." Warns against the pitfalls of literal translation.
• "Develop an ear for idioms." Encourages active listening to recognize and understand idiomatic expressions.

How does the book address common challenges in learning idioms?

• Literal Translation Issues: It explains why idioms cannot be translated word-for-word and provides strategies to understand them as a whole.
• Memorization Techniques: Offers tips like using notecards and regular review to aid memorization.
• Pronunciation Practice: The CD helps learners practice pronunciation, which is crucial for effective communication.
• Cultural Context: Provides cultural context to help learners understand when and how to use idioms appropriately.

What is the role of the CD included with the book?

• Pronunciation Aid: The CD helps learners hear the correct pronunciation of idioms and dialogues.
• Reinforcement Tool: Listening to the CD reinforces the idioms learned in the book.
• Convenient Practice: It allows learners to practice listening and speaking skills anywhere, such as in the car or at home.
• Memory Enhancement: Repeated listening helps in retaining idioms and their usage.

How does "Speak English Like an American" compare to traditional textbooks?

• Focus on Idioms: Unlike traditional textbooks, this book focuses specifically on idioms, which are often overlooked.
• Real-Life Context: Provides practical, real-life dialogues rather than isolated vocabulary lists.
• Interactive Learning: Includes a CD for auditory learning, enhancing the interactive experience.
• Cultural Relevance: Offers insights into American culture through idiomatic expressions, which are not typically covered in standard textbooks.

What are some advanced idioms covered in the book?

• "Throw the book at someone": Means to punish someone severely.
• "Sweep something under the rug": Refers to hiding something, often a scandal.
• "Burn the midnight oil": Means to work late into the night.
• "Get a handle on": To gain an understanding of something complex.