We spent this initial session getting to know each other better and determining what his strengths and weaknesses are. He is originally from Egypt, but lived in Saudi Arabia for five years developing GIS software. After he passes the TOEFL, he plans to obtain his Master's in Geoinformatics from a university in Germany. Luckily all the classes are taught in English, but it looks like he'll be learning a third language before too long!
I was surprised when we started discussing areas he wants to work on, because he is much more comfortable with speaking and listening than with reading and writing. I had always assumed that people mastered the aspects of language in more-or-less the same order: first reading, then writing, then listening, then speaking. I should have known the old adage-- to ASSUME makes an ASS out of U and ME! Pardonnez mon français ;) Perhaps people who spend a lot of time interacting with residents of their host country develop listening and speaking skills more readily than those who stay cooped up in a library reading books and writing in journals. In your language studies, what was the first skill you mastered?
Anyway, I sent Ahmed a list of helpful phrases to use in writing, such as "For example", "On the one hand,... on the other hand,...", "In addition to,...", and "In conclusion,...". He said that he enjoys non-fiction much more than novels, so tomorrow I am going to find some interesting articles (maybe on geography!) for us to read and write about. Any suggestions?
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