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  • Discussion about Learning English for history students

    Discussion about Learning English for history students 

    Learning English is essential for history students who are non-native speakers because it opens up global opportunities and resources. English is the dominant language in international media, journalism, and digital content, making it crucial for students who want to work or collaborate in these fields. With strong English skills, students can access a wider range of research, reports, and sources, keeping them informed about global trends and industry standards. Additionally, English proficiency allows students to connect with diverse audiences and work in international teams, both online and in-person. In an increasingly connected world, English gives media and communication students the ability to share their messages, expand their career options, and succeed in a competitive, global industry.


    • techniques history students (non-native English speakers) can use to understand an English history text

      Simple techniques history students (non-native English speakers) can use to understand an English history text, with clear examples:


      1. Pre-Reading: Prepare Your Brain

      Technique:

      • Look at headings, pictures, and keywords before reading.

      • Predict what the text is about.

      Example:

      • Text title: "The Causes of World War I"

        • Keywords to note: war, Europe, alliances, assassination

        • Prediction: "This text will explain why countries fought in 1914."


      2. Break Down Hard Sentences

      Technique:

      • Find the subject (who/what) and verb (action) in long sentences.

      • Ignore extra words at first.

      Example:

      • Original: "The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed harsh penalties on Germany, which many historians believe contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler."

        • Simplified:

          1. Treaty of Versailles → punished Germany.

          2. Historians think this helped Hitler rise.


      3. Highlight Key Words

      Technique:

      • Mark dates, names, places, and repeated words.

      Example:

      • Text: "In 1776, the American colonies declared independence from Britain after years of conflict over taxes and representation."

        • Highlight:

          • Date: 1776

          • People/Place: American colonies, Britain

          • Reasons: taxes, representation


      4. Use a Timeline

      Technique:

      • Draw a timeline for events in order.

      Example:
      Text about the French Revolution:

      1. 1789: Storming of the Bastille

      2. 1793: King Louis XVI executed

      3. 1799: Napoleon takes power


      5. Translate Only What You Need

      Technique:

      • Don’t translate every word! Look up only key terms you don’t know.

      Example:

      • Word: "monarchy" (you know "king" but not this word).

        • Look up: "monarchy = rule by a king/queen" → Now you understand!


      6. Summarize Each Paragraph

      Technique:

      • After reading a paragraph, write 1 short sentence in your own words.

      Example:

      • Paragraph: "The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the 18th century, transforming economies from farming to factories."

        • Summary: "Factories replaced farms in Britain in the 1700s."


      7. Connect to What You Know

      Technique:

      • Link new info to your country’s history or things you’ve seen.

      Example:

      • Text: "Colonists protested British taxes."

        • Connect: "Like how people in [my country] protested [similar law]."


      8. Ask Simple Questions

      Technique:
      Answer these basics:

      • Who? (People involved)

      • When? (Date/period)

      • Why? (Reasons)

      • What happened? (Event)

      Example:
      Text: "Martin Luther King Jr. led peaceful marches in the 1960s to demand civil rights for African Americans."

      • Who? MLK

      • When? 1960s

      • Why? To get rights for Black people

      • What? Peaceful marches


      9. Use Visuals

      Technique:

      • Google images/maps to see what you’re reading.

      Example:

      • Term: "feudalism" → Search "feudalism diagram" to see how kings, lords, and peasants were connected.


      10. Practice with Easy Texts First

      Technique:

      • Start with children’s history books or YouTube videos in simple English.

      Example:

      • Watch "The American Revolution for Kids" on YouTube before reading a textbook.


      Extra Tip:

      • Talk about it! Explain what you read to a friend in your own language. This helps your brain remember.

      Example:

      • After reading about WWII, tell a friend: "Hitler invaded Poland in 1939, so Britain and France fought back."



      • Studying history

        Studying history is important because it helps us understand the past and how it shapes the present and future. By learning about past events (historical events), people, and cultures, we can make better decisions today. For example, studying World War II teaches us about the dangers of hatred and dictatorship, while learning about ancient civilizations (old societies) like Egypt or Rome shows how human innovation developed over time. History also improves critical thinking by analyzing causes and effects, such as why revolutions happen or how economies rise and fall. Additionally, it helps us appreciate different cultures and avoid repeating past mistakes. Whether becoming a teacher, researcher, or politician, history provides valuable lessons for all careers and daily life.

        Short Answer Questions:

        1. Title: What is the title of this paragraph?
          • Answer: "The Importance of Studying History."
        2. Central Idea: Why is studying history important?
          • Answer: It helps us understand the past and how it affects the present and future.
        3. Translation: What is the Arabic translation of  the text? Home work