Elementary Arabic
Studying Tips For Students
The main issue in learning a foreign language is retaining vocabulary
and grammar and using them when needed. The following tips are meant to
help you prepare for lessons and study for quizzes, and ultimately retain
vocabulary and grammar. The tips below follow the progression of any lesson
in al-kitaab:
1. Vocabulary Preparation:
Step 1: |
Listen to the tape while looking at the list of new
vocabulary. Repeat words as many times as possible for pronunciation
practice. |
Step 2: |
Circle useful and most common words. This will help
you reduce the amount of vocabulary you have to learn. |
Step 3: |
Do the vocabulary drill assigned as homework. The drill
will help you practice using the new words. |
Step 4: |
Listen to the main dialogue/piece once. Listen a second
time and repeat aloud. |
Step 5: |
Listen a third time and fill in the blanks in the text. |
Step 6: |
Read the completed text with the tape. |
Step 7: |
Read the text aloud without the tape. |
2. Grammar Preparation:
Step 1: |
Read the grammar explanation in the book and jot down
any questions you have to ask in class. |
Step 2: |
Do oral and written drills (e.g. conjugate verbs aloud,
make up sentences, etc.) |
Step 3: |
Keep your own grammar notebook. write down rule in your
own words and illustrate with your own examples. Later, you may find
it easier to refer to your own notebook than to the textbook. |
3. Preparation for Speaking:
Step 1: |
Check the syllabus for the topic of discussion and review
vocabulary list in the book. |
Step 2: |
Make a list of words, grammar structures (e.g. nominal
sentences, etc.) that would be useful for the discussion. write some
questions, statements and bring them to class. |
Step 3: |
Write composition or do homework assigned for that day. |
Step 4: |
Make sure to use some of the vocabulary you prepared
during the discussion in class. |
4. Preparation for Composition:
Step 1: |
Read your topic carefully, then jot down some notes
on what you want to say and how you intend to organize it. |
Step 2: |
Make a list of vocabulary and grammar structures you
can use in your composition. |
Step 3: |
Write your composition in pencil. |
Step 4: |
Check your composition for spelling, vocabulary, and
grammar. You should check if you have any doubt. |
Step 5: |
Finalize your composition. hand it in double-spaced. |
5. Homework:
Be sure to check the corrections and comments on homework after it is
returned to you. It is a good idea to rewrite compositions and incorporate
corrections.
Some Useful Strategies:
There are many creative ways in which you could study. Below
are some:
1. Using different color pens (e.g. when conjugating verbs,
you can write the prefixes/suffixes in different colors).
2. Making vocabulary cards with each category (nouns, adjectives,
verbs, etc.) in a different color. You can play games with these cards.
For example, you can make random (and often very funny) sentences.
3. Keeping a journal.
4. Labeling things in your room/apartment in Arabic (doors,
rooms, bed, fridge, etc.).
5. Speaking into a tape or making up songs. Whatever it
is, do it aloud.
6. Sing along with your favorite Arabic pop tunes.
7. Work with a group of students outside of class.
8. Use resources available in New York (see List of Resources).
These include TV shows, radio programs, falafel stands, etc.
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