Assignments

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.