Macro-English (9)

Grammar is boring. It confuses me and gives me headache. Its terms and rules have no connection to my daily life. These views may be right but are regrettable. Grammar itself is not a problem. A learner herself is not to blame. It is the following that discredit grammar:

1.  Misleading and contradictory statements are often seen in some grammar books.

2.  The book’s contents are often disorganized.

3.  The information about a topic is always not complete.

4.  The way of teaching lacks interest.

Now the book “English for the Eager Learners” has wiped off the above accusations and revealed the secrets of mastering the language.  It directs a reader to think actively and logically, and to correctly write a sentence in a clear, meaningful way - that is called grammar. In other words grammar means organization.

”English for the Eager Learners” is a teach-yourself book. Its topics are self-contained and interrelated. The grammatical rules and terms are kept to a minimum.  But its main value is seen in letting the students know the reasons with which the language works. A reader will know why:

1.  The noun “gun” has zero article.

       The suspect came out of the house, gun in hand.

2.  The adverb “here” can follow “be”, and the adverb ”slowly” can’t.

       The dog is here.                              (correct)                   

       The dog’s action is slowly.            (incorrect)

Grammar is boring. It confuses me and gives me headache. Its terms and rules have no connection to my daily life. These views may be right but are regrettable. Grammar itself is not a problem. A learner herself is not to blame. It is the following that discredit grammar:

1.  Misleading and contradictory statements are often seen in some grammar books.

2.  The book’s contents are often disorganized.

3.  The information about a topic is always not complete.

4.  The way of teaching lacks interest.

Now the book “English for the Eager Learners” has wiped off the above accusations and revealed the secrets of mastering the language.  It directs a reader to think actively and logically, and to correctly write a sentence in a clear, meaningful way - that is called grammar. In other words grammar means organization.

”English for the Eager Learners” is a teach-yourself book. Its topics are self-contained and interrelated. The grammatical rules and terms are kept to a minimum.  But its main value is seen in letting the students know the reasons with which the language works. A reader will know why:

1.  The noun “gun” has zero article.

       The suspect came out of the house, gun in hand.

2.  The adverb “here” can follow “be”, and the adverb ”slowly” can’t.