Survival of the Fittest.’ (An IGCSE Blog) by Alina

‘Survival of Fittest.’ (An IGCSE Blog)
My dear juniors, when you enter this great IGCSE, if you thought you can close your mouths in a whole year, you’re heading for your doom. 

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=== '''Open Your Mouth: ''' === The basic thing that you have to admit is in this IB center, everything is different totally. You guys have to listen to English all days (for some of you this may becomes one of the hardest task, I guess.) all communication with teachers is in English as well. (Although some teachers do know some simple Chinese, don’t expect they will talk to you in it.); one of the biggest rules in class, apart from do not talk when your teacher is talking (don’t underestimate this, it’s definitely important, I’ll explain later.), you need to discuss with others in English.(However, this rule usually is the one that often be forgotten.)

In one word, everything is in English. I know it’s quite hard to translate everything in your brains, reorganize the grammar and choose the right vocab then speak out; sometimes you may just want to give up without say anything. You have to force yourselves to do this. It’s nothing if your tense is wrong or your pronounce is strange, no one will laugh at you, basically. (if someone did, you can just ignore them or tell them take a hike.)

You have to face all the tough things, include those oral exams, presentation, debate, role play, especially if you’re a ‘cool’ guy and usually prefer to enjoy your own little world without communicating with those ‘foolish human being’, well, maybe you’d better stay in dorm in next three years. Admittedly all your results in these exams and activities will influence your final level. I know we’re Chinese students, who are really good at reciting textbook and finding out the regular pattern in the exam questions, but all these things are not necessary in this place, especially in your English. All things you need to do and have to do is open your mouths and catch any chances to speak to your teachers and classmates, using English. You need practices as much as you can. Chat with your teachers is a good choice, apart from you can get some good relationships with them (which will help you a lot when you need someone to write your recommendation letter in IB years), you can learn some differences in cultures from other countries as well. First of all, you will be trained to find out where the joke is – a really tough work, believe me. (Try to talk with Mr.Lyold, you will learn lots of great jokes.)

In one world, this year you will have some really nice time. Open your mouths, try to be creative and brave. Hope you guys will have a great year.