Although many Chinese students say that their knowledge of English grammar is good, most would
admit that their spoken English is poor. Whenever I speak to a Chinese student, they always say, "My
spoken English is poor." However, their spoken English does not have to remain "poor". I would like to
suggest that there may be some reasons for their problems with spoken English.
     First, they fail to find suitable words to express themselves because of a limited vocabulary.
Obviously, the better answer is to enlarge their vocabulary. However, you can speak with a limited
vocabulary, if your attitude is positive(積極的). Others will follow you as long as(只要) you use the
words that you know.
     Second, they are afraid of making mistakes. Sometimes they make mistakes when they are speaking
because they are shy and nervous. Yet students should remember that their goal should be FLUENCY
(流利性) NOT ACCURACY(準(zhǔn)確性). Your aim in writing is to be accurate following the rules for
grammar and using them to get your message across(使別人了解你的信息). But to talk to someone
in English, as quickly and well as you can, even though sometimes you may use a wrong word or tense,
but it doesn't matter because the person you are speaking to will understand you and forgive you for any
mistakes he hears.
     The third reason is that not enough attention is paid to listening. You have one mouth but two ears!
All the hearing is necessary for you to start speaking.
     Fourth, most Chinese students are somewhat passive language learners. Instead of actively looking
for opportunities(機(jī)會(huì)) to improve their spoken English, they passively wait for speaking opportunities
to come to them and wonder why their English always remains poor. If you are active language learners,
then, you will see English chances wherever you go.
     If you do not use your English beyond the classroom, you will forget that English you know.
Remember: USE IT OR LOSE IT! You can learn how to speak English better by speaking Eng1ish
more.