Bardzo mi przykro, ale lekcje na platformie The Blue Tree działają jedynie na komputerze lub tablecie.
Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂
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THE BLUE TREE
How to Learn
CEFR B1
Intermediate
warm up
Answer these questions. Listen to a model answer (if it is available) and see if there’s anything you would like to add to your own opinion.
| How many languages do you speak? |
TRANSCRIPT
I speak two languages fluently—English and Spanish. I’ve always appreciated how being bilingual allows me to communicate with a wider range of people and experience different cultures more deeply. It’s also been a big help in both personal and professional situations. I’d love to add another language to my list, maybe something completely different like Italian or Japanese!
| Do you like learning languages? |
TRANSCRIPT
I do like learning languages! It can be tough at first, but once you start to get the hang of it, it becomes a lot more fun. I love how it feels like solving a puzzle, and you can see your progress over time. Plus, learning a new language opens up so many new experiences—whether it’s through travel, meeting new people, or just understanding a different culture better. It’s challenging but really rewarding.
| What are the advantages of knowing many languages? |
TRANSCRIPT
Knowing many languages gives you a lot of advantages. First, it can improve your job opportunities since many businesses operate globally now. It also helps you connect with people from different backgrounds, which is invaluable both personally and professionally. Plus, it keeps your brain sharp—learning languages has been shown to improve memory and cognitive skills. It’s like having a superpower that opens doors everywhere.
part one
KEY LANGUAGE
Study these flashcards. Make sure you understand all the items.
VIDEO
Watch the first part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- How does Lydia feel about learning a language?
- How many languages does she speak?
- Who did she talk to about learning languages?
- What did she find out after talking to other polyglots?
- How did she learn Spanish and German?
- What’s the first key to learning languages?
part two
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the second part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- What is the second key to language learning?
- What does Lydia mean when she said we need to have a system?
- Why is patience important?
- What do the stories of Benny and Lucas illustrate?
POLL
Cast your vote in the poll below.
DISCUSSION
Different ways of learning languages
Agata and Dawid are talking about learning languages. They are discussing Lydia’s ideas and sharing their own experience in learning a foreign language.
Read (role-play) their dialogue. Whose story is closer to yours?
Agata: Hi David! Did you watch the TED Talk by Lydia Machova?
David: Yes, I did! I really liked it. She has a lot of energy and good ideas. What did you think?
Agata: I liked it too. I think the most important thing she said is that learning languages can be fun. I sometimes forget that.
David: Me too. I always think I have to study grammar and vocabulary lists. But she said we can learn with things we enjoy—like watching series or reading books.
Agata: Yes! I started watching a Spanish telenovela last week. I don’t understand everything, but I can guess a lot from the situation.
David: That’s great. I use music. I listen to English and Spanish songs and try to learn the lyrics. It helps me remember new words.
Agata: Lydia also said we need a system. Do you have one?
David: Kind of. I try to do something every day. Just 20 minutes. Sometimes I use an app. Sometimes I talk to my language partner online.
Agata: That’s smart. I still need to find my system. I study a lot one day, and then nothing for three days. Not good…
David: Don’t worry. She also said we should be patient. If we keep going, we will improve.
Agata: Yes, and I think I need to be more patient with myself. Maybe I will try her idea of “language coaching”—just helping myself stay motivated.
David: That’s a good idea. Let’s keep each other motivated too!
Agata: Deal! Let’s talk next week in Spanish?
David: ¡Sí, claro! Hasta pronto, Agata!
Agata: Hasta pronto, David!
OVER TO YOU
Answer these questions. Refer to your own experience and what you learnt in this lesson.
 | What is your favorite way to learn a new language? Why do you like it? |
| Do you have a system for learning languages? If yes, what is it? If not, would you like to create one? |
| Can you think of a time when you felt proud of your progress in learning a language? What happened? |
| Do you agree that enjoying the process is the most important part of language learning? Why or why not? |
| What would you say to someone who wants to give up learning a new language? |
DOWNLOAD
Download a mind-map with ideas of methods for learning languages.
What methods would you add to it?
download a mind-map
Learning is more effective when you use mind-maps!
Weekly Learning Plan is a practical template for self-disciplined students who want to track their learning.
It contains a lot of ideas of what you could do to improve your English.
WEEKLY LEARNING PLAN
Use this template to plan your week of learning!
lesson glossary
Secrets of learning languages
MY ENGLISH DICTIONARY
Add new and interesting words from this lesson to your English dictionary.
Store your words and expressions in this handy dictionary. You can create groups and play games based on your entries. There is also a practical importing feature.
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COMMENTS
What is your experience with learning languages? How did you learn English? Which methods or systems have you tested and can recommend?
Share your views and experience here.
1 Comment
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My first experience with learning languages comes from the school. In my opinion, it is a good step, because the school gives a base of the language. But a method which I recommend is music. Songs have nice music which makes it easier to remember words.