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[1] English for the Eager Learners
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Open publication - Free publishing - More english

Download link:
http://www.mariaenglishsociety.hk/eagerlearners/dl.html

[2] Macro-English
Preview:

Open publication - Free publishing - More english
Download link:
http://www.mariaenglishsociety.hk/eagerlearners/dl.html

Table of Contents

Some readers write to ask about the contents of "English for the Eager Learners". Here are some screenshots of the content pages.

Macro-English (10)

A reader, after reading “English for the Eager Learners” can learn to write a straightforward sentence:

1.   grammatical

2.   logical

3.   idiomatic

For (1), the book provides the basic, complete knowledge of grammar.

For (2), the reader is trained how to think actively for clear writing.

For (3), there are many idiomatic expressions (the set way of the language) in every passage at the end of a lesson for one to memorize and make use of.

 At this point, a learner can only copy others’ work.  She must not create her own expressions. This imitation stage anyone who learns an art or a craft or writing must pass through. Bach and Picasso and Shakespeare are among them.

 Once the apprenticeship of writing is over, she comes out as a creative, independent writer.  But to reach the highest level of writing - to write simple English, she needs real “talent” and hard work that any book can’t teach.

                 “Simple English is no one’s mother tongue. It has to be worked for.” -  Jacques

 Yes, simple English is easy reading but hard to write.  Here is the greatest of all speeches that has ever been made on earth:

 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid (hidden). Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel (a big container), but on a candle stick” -  Bible     

    Another one:

“I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bond of affection (love)” - Lincoln   

These seemingly effortless writings come from hard work and hard thinking. Please don’t mistake them for the elementary style of “Jack likes Jane.”  On the other side of the coin, comes hard reading. It springs from easy writing and is as plentiful as sand everywhere.

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.