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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.
| 1 | 0:05 | What does Lýdia love doing?She loves learning foreign languages. |
| 2 | 0:15 | How often does she like to learn a new language?She likes to learn a new language every two years. |
| 3 | 0:22 | How many languages is she currently working on?She is currently working on her eighth one. |
| 4 | 0:50 | What do people always ask her when they find out?They ask her how she does it and what her secret is. |
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.
| 1 | 1:15 | What are polyglots?Polyglots are people who speak a lot of languages. |
| 2 | 1:30 | What did she want to find out from them?She wanted to find out how polyglots learn languages so much faster than other people. |
| 3 | 1:50 | What is Benny’s method for learning a new language?His method is to start speaking from day one. |
| 4 | 2:05 | Why doesn’t Benny mind making mistakes?Because making mistakes and getting feedback is how he learns. |
part tHREE
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.
| 1 | 2:23 | What was Lucas’s method of learning Russian?He added a hundred random Russian speakers on Skype and copied their messages to each other, making two strangers have a conversation. |
| 2 | 2:28 | What allowed Lucas to start writing himself?He had so many of these copied conversations that he figured out how a Russian conversation usually starts. |
| 3 | 2:33 | What does Lydia think about Lucas’s method?She thinks it is an "ingenious method". |
part four
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.
| 1 | 2:46 | What are some of the ways polyglots learn new languages?Some start by imitating sounds, others learn the 500 most frequent words, and some start by reading about the grammar. |
| 2 | 2:56 | Did Lydia learn that there is one way of learning languages?No, she learned that everybody seems to have a unique way they learn a language. |
| 3 | 3:16 | What do polyglots have in common?The one thing they all have in common is that they simply found ways to enjoy the language-learning process. |
| 4 | 3:21 | How did polyglots talk about the process of learning languages?They were talking about language learning as if it was great fun. |
part five
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.
| 1 | 3:57 | How did Lydia learn Spanish?She learned Spanish by reading the "Harry Potter" books. |
| 2 | 4:01 | What did polyglots find about methods of learning languages?They found that while everyone uses different methods, they always make sure it is something they personally enjoy. |
| 3 | 4:07 | How much did she understand from Harry Potter at the beginning?She didn’t understand almost anything at the beginning. |
| 4 | 4:14 | Why did she continue reading the book?She kept reading because she loved the book. |
| 5 | 4:23 | Why did she decide to learn German by watching "Friends"?She decided to watch it because it is her favorite sitcom. |
| 6 | 4:36 | What happened after the third season of watching "Friends" in German?The dialogue finally started to make sense. |
| 7 | 5:33 | What are some methods of learning languages Lydia recommends?She recommends typing words in an app, finding interesting content on YouTube or in podcasts, and applying the method of self-talk. |
| 8 | 5:45 | What is the first secret of learning languages?The first secret is finding enjoyment in the process of learning languages. |
part six
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.
| 1 | 5:55 | What is the second secret according to Lydia?You need to use effective methods. |
| 2 | 6:11 | What is the benefit of using spaced repetition?It allows you to keep words long term. |
| 3 | 6:30 | Where can we find information about effective methods of learning languages?You can check out polyglots’ YouTube channels and websites and get inspiration from them. |
part sEVEN
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.
| 1 | 6:39 | What is the third secret?The third secret is to create a system in your learning. |
| 2 | 6:47 | How can we create more time for learning a new language?We can create that time if we just plan a bit ahead, such as waking up 15 minutes earlier to revise vocabulary. |
| 3 | 7:03 | What are some ideas how to find time for learning a new language?You can find time by doing things without planning, such as listening to podcasts on your way to work or while doing household chores. |
| 4 | 7:16 | What is important as regards having a system?The important thing is to create a plan in the learning, such as deciding to practice speaking every Tuesday and Thursday. |
| 5 | 7:30 | What is the benefit of having a system for learning a new language?If you create a system in your learning, you don’t need to find that extra time because it will become a part of your everyday life. |
part EIGHT
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.
| 1 | 7:35 | What is the forth secret of learning a language?The fourth secret is patience. |
| 2 | 7:46 | What is possible after learning a new language for two months?You can make a "visible improvement" if you learn in small chunks every day. |
| 3 | 7:50 | What is the strongest motivator?There is nothing that motivates us more than our own success. |
| 4 | 8:01 | How did Lydia feel when she undertood a joke in German version of "Friends"?She was very happy and remembers that moment vividly. |
| 5 | 8:20 | Why does she learn a new language every two years?Because she gets addicted to that feeling of joy and success. |
part NINE
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.
| 1 | 8:44 | What may some people assume about polyglots?They may assume that polyglots are just language geniuses who have a special talent. |
| 2 | 8:57 | Was benny a good at languages when he was at school?No, he studied Irish for 11 years and German for five years but still couldn’t speak them. |
| 3 | 9:15 | How many languages does Benny speak?He can now easily have a conversation in over 10 languages. |
| 4 | 9:22 | How good was Lucas at English at school?He tried to learn English at school for 10 years and completely failed. |
| 5 | 9:45 | How long did it take Lucas to learn 11 languages?It took him about 10 years to learn 11 new languages. |
| 6 | 9:57 | As a language mentor, what does Lydia help people with?She helps people take their language learning into their own hands and find methods they enjoy. |
| 7 | 10:20 | When do Lydia’s clients find the magic language talent?They suddenly find it once they start enjoying the process, applying effective methods, and creating a system. |
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!
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.
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