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Inclusive Leadership: Nurturing Diversity in the Philippine BPO Industry

In the vibrant landscape of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry in the Philippines, inclusive leadership stands as a key driver of success. As the sector continues to thrive and evolve, leaders are recognizing the significance of fostering an inclusive workplace that celebrates the rich tapestry of diversity among team members.

The BPO industry in the Philippines is renowned for its diverse workforce, drawing talent from various regions, cultures, and backgrounds. Inclusive leadership in this context is not just an ethical imperative but a strategic necessity. Leaders need to understand and appreciate the unique perspectives that each team member brings to the table.

Beyond its ethical dimensions, inclusive leadership in the BPO industry makes solid business sense. Diverse teams bring a variety of skills, ideas, and approaches, contributing to innovation and problem-solving. Inclusive workplaces also tend to have higher levels of employee engagement, retention, and overall satisfaction, which are critical factors in an industry where human capital is a key asset.

Strategies for Embracing Diversity:

1. Develop a Culture of Inclusion:

Inclusive leaders actively work towards creating a culture where every team member feels valued and respected.

2. Encourage Open Communication:

Communication is the cornerstone of inclusive leadership. Leaders in the BPO industry should encourage open dialogue, ensuring that team members feel comfortable expressing their unique perspectives and ideas without fear of judgment.

3. Offer Diversity Training:

Investing in diversity and inclusion training can help leaders and team members develop a deeper understanding of different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. This not only promotes empathy but also equips the workforce with the skills to navigate a diverse environment effectively.

4. Establish Inclusive Policies:

Inclusive leaders go beyond rhetoric; they actively implement policies that support diversity. This includes fair hiring practices, equal opportunities for growth, and creating a workplace that accommodates various needs and preferences.

Benefits of Inclusive Leadership in the BPO Sector:

a. Improved Creativity and Innovation:

Diverse teams foster creativity and innovation by bringing a wealth of experiences and ideas to the table.

b. Enriched Employee Engagement:

Inclusive leadership cultivates trust and engagement, fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture.

c. Better Problem-Solving:

In a diverse team, different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving can lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions.

Inclusive leadership in the Filipino BPO industry is not just a moral obligation; it is a strategic imperative. By actively embracing and celebrating the diversity within their teams, BPO leaders can create workplaces that are not only ethically sound but also more innovative, engaging, and ultimately successful in the dynamic landscape of the outsourcing industry. As the industry continues to evolve, inclusive leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping a future where diversity is not just acknowledged but embraced as a source of strength and competitive advantage.

Upskilling the BPO Workforce: Addressing the Skills Gap in the Philippines

The call for upskilling has emerged as a strategic response to the ever-evolving demands of the sector. BPO companies that have embraced this trend recognize the profound impact it has on both individual employees and the overall organizational performance.

As we delve into the essence of upskilling, it becomes evident that it is not merely a transient trend but a fundamental necessity. The BPO sector, often at the forefront of technological integration, faces the dual challenge of staying competitive in the global market and ensuring the professional growth of its workforce. Automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics are reshaping the nature of tasks within the BPO industry. Employees who embrace continuous learning and upskilling find themselves better equipped to navigate this technological terrain. Rather than fearing displacement, they become architects of their professional destiny, adapting to new tools and methodologies.

Furthermore, upskilling is not just about acquiring technical know-how; it encompasses a broader spectrum of skills. Soft skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability are becoming equally crucial in a landscape that values multidimensional competency. BPO companies are increasingly recognizing that a holistic approach to upskilling, addressing both technical and soft skills, cultivates a workforce that is not just proficient but also agile in the face of change.

Moreover, upskilling aligns with the broader goals of employee retention and job satisfaction. Companies that invest in the continuous development of their workforce send a clear message — they value their employees as assets and are committed to nurturing their growth. This commitment, in turn, fosters a positive work culture where employees feel empowered and motivated, contributing to increased job satisfaction and a lower attrition rate.

In conclusion, the winds of change blowing through the BPO industry bring with them the imperative for upskilling. As technology continues to advance, companies that embrace this trend are not just adapting to change but actively shaping their future. The journey towards perfection, as Churchill suggests, involves a commitment to change often, and in the realm of BPO, upskilling stands as a beacon guiding both companies and employees towards excellence in an ever-evolving landscape.

Welsend Expands Its Footprint with the New Office in the Philippines

Welsend Global Services, a leading provider of cutting-edge technology solutions, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its growth story by establishing a new office in the Philippines. With an impressive track record of delivering innovative services and solutions to clients worldwide, Welsend’s expansion into the Philippines signifies the company’s commitment to enhancing its global presence and tapping into the rich talent pool available in the country.

The Philippines: A Thriving Hub for Business Process Outsourcing

Known for its highly skilled workforce, English proficiency, and favorable business environment, the Philippines has become a preferred destination for companies seeking to establish their presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The country has gained recognition as a prominent hub for business process outsourcing (BPO), providing a wide range of services such as customer support, technical support, data entry, software development, and more.

By opening an office in the Philippines, Welsend Global Services aims to leverage the country’s vibrant BPO industry and tap into the talented professionals who are well-versed in the latest technologies and possess a strong work ethic. The expansion allows Welsend to enhance its service capabilities, extend its reach to new markets, and deliver exceptional value to its clients.

Driving Economic Growth and Job Creation

Welsend’s decision to establish an office in the Philippines reflects the company’s commitment to fostering economic growth and job creation. The BPO sector has been instrumental in the Philippine economy, providing employment opportunities to millions of Filipinos and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.

The opening of Welsend’s new office will create a positive impact by generating employment opportunities for local professionals, allowing them to develop their skills and contribute to the growth of the technology sector. Additionally, the expansion will foster knowledge transfer and promote collaboration between Welsend’s global teams and the local workforce, creating a mutually beneficial environment.

Accessing a Diverse Talent Pool

One of the key advantages of the Philippines as a business destination is its diverse and highly skilled talent pool. Filipino professionals have gained a reputation for their technical proficiency, adaptability, and strong work ethic. The country’s education system focuses on producing graduates who are well-prepared for the demands of the global job market.

Welsend recognizes the immense potential of the Filipino workforce and aims to harness this talent pool to drive its innovative solutions forward. By establishing an office in the Philippines, the company can tap into a diverse range of expertise, including software development, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and more. This strategic move will undoubtedly strengthen Welsend’s capabilities and enhance its ability to deliver high-quality services to clients across various industries.

The decision of Welsend Global Services to establish an office in the Philippines marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. By expanding into this vibrant business destination, Welsend aims to leverage the country’s robust BPO industry, tap into the talented local workforce, and enhance its service capabilities. This move not only benefits Welsend but also contributes to the economic development of the Philippines by creating employment opportunities and fostering collaboration between global and local teams.

As Welsend embarks on this new venture, it is poised to make a lasting impact in the Philippines while continuing to provide innovative technology solutions to clients worldwide. With its dedication to excellence and a commitment to nurturing talent, Welsend Global Services is well-positioned to thrive in its expansion and shape the future of the technology industry in the Philippines.

BPO Services: Empowering Filipinos with Employment Opportunities

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services have emerged as a powerful catalyst for economic growth and employment generation in the Philippines. Over the past two decades, the country has witnessed a remarkable surge in the BPO sector, creating a multitude of employment opportunities for Filipinos. This article explores how BPO services have played a transformative role in empowering Filipino workers and contributing to the country’s economic development.

The Rise of the BPO Industry in the Philippines

The Philippines has become a global leader in the BPO industry, attracting numerous multinational companies seeking to outsource their non-core business processes. This sector encompasses a wide range of services, including customer support, technical support, data entry, finance and accounting, healthcare services, digital marketing, and more.

Employment Opportunities for a Young, Talented Workforce

One of the significant advantages of the BPO industry is its ability to provide meaningful employment opportunities for the country’s large and talented workforce. With a young and highly educated population, Filipinos possess the necessary skills, language proficiency, and adaptability to excel in the BPO sector.

BPO companies have set up operations in various cities across the Philippines, creating jobs in both urban and rural areas. This expansion has been instrumental in addressing unemployment issues, especially among fresh graduates and young professionals. It has also contributed to reducing the brain drain, as skilled individuals now have the option to find rewarding careers within the country.

Skills Development and Industry Exposure

Working in the BPO industry offers Filipinos more than just a job; it provides them with valuable skills and exposure to international business practices. BPO companies prioritize the training and development of their employees, equipping them with the necessary technical skills, communication abilities, and industry-specific knowledge.

Through comprehensive training programs, employees gain proficiency in various software applications, customer service best practices, and other specialized areas. This not only enhances their employability within the BPO sector but also equips them with transferable skills that can be applied to other industries, fostering long-term career growth and professional advancement.

Economic Boost and Regional Development

The growth of the BPO sector has had a significant impact on the Philippine economy, contributing to its overall growth and development. The sector has consistently been one of the top revenue generators, attracting foreign direct investment and boosting the country’s GDP.

Moreover, BPO companies have been instrumental in driving regional development by establishing operations in cities outside the capital, Manila. This expansion has created employment opportunities in previously underserved areas, stimulating economic growth, and reducing regional disparities.

The BPO Industry’s Social Impact

Beyond economic benefits, the BPO industry has had a profound social impact on Filipino workers and their families. Stable employment in the BPO sector has enabled individuals to provide for their families, improve their standard of living, and pursue higher education or professional development.

Additionally, the industry has empowered women by offering flexible working hours, equal opportunities for career advancement, and the chance to balance work and family responsibilities. This has been instrumental in promoting gender equality in the workplace and society as a whole.

The growth of the BPO industry in the Philippines has brought about a transformative change in the employment landscape, providing Filipinos with access to meaningful and sustainable job opportunities. Through comprehensive training programs, exposure to global business practices, and economic empowerment, the BPO sector has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of countless individuals and contributing to the country’s overall economic development.

As the industry continues to evolve and expand, it is crucial to nurture the talent pool, invest in skill development, and foster innovation to ensure its sustained growth and impact. By leveraging the power of BPO services, the Philippines can further solidify its position as a global leader in the industry while uplifting its workforce and driving inclusive economic progress.

Wealth, Wisdom and Happiness: Life Strategies of 40 Global Investors

本系列文章主要基于Make It Stick(中文版名为《认知天性》)一书和心理学、神经科学领域相关经典书籍和文章,为立志成为终身学习者的各位介绍学习(包括各种知识/技能/运动)和记忆相关的核心科学概念具体实践策略

Make It Stick的三位作者包括Henry L. Roediger III和Mark A. McDaniel两位在学习和记忆领域深耕几十年,学术成就卓著的认知心理学家和作家Peter C. Brown。本书英文版副标题为the science of successful learning,直译过来意思是成功学习的科学,反映了该书作者的根本出发点:向大家介绍有实证研究支持的学习理论,基于近年来的多项认知心理学领域的实证研究为大家提炼出一套完整的运用科学研究已经证明的有效原则进行高效学习的系统理论和方法,同时也否定了许多已被广泛接受和采用的错误学习理念和学习方式。无论你处在哪一个人生阶段,是在校学生还是已经进入社会工作甚至已经退休,阅读本系列文章都将会极大地改变你对学习和记忆的认识。在理解相关科学原理的基础上抛弃过去错误的学习观念和习惯,将此书中介绍的方法用于实践将会显著提高你在所有领域/学科的学习表现,帮助你成为高效的终身学习者。
开篇首先要强调的一点:理解学习行为背后的科学原理非常重要,这是改变错误学习习惯和形成新的学习方法的心理动力基础。就像数学学习中理解公式背后的推导原理才能从本质上掌握该公式,从而灵活地将其运用到多种类型的习题解题过程中。如今市面上不缺乏各种学习方法的介绍,大家在各种“建议”“方法论”面前眼花缭乱,觉得每一个都说得很有道理,但自己就是做不到啊。其背后的原因有两点,首先很多看起来很有道理的方法论并没有科学实证研究作为基础甚至是反科学的,盲目学习运用并且产生积极效果的概率几乎为零;第二点则是不了解相关方法背后的基本科学原理,知其然而不知其所以然,导致缺乏足够的心理动力和灵活性去实践和内化真正有效的学习手段。
作者注:本系列文章源于对《认知天性》英文原版Make It Stick以及其他提及的其他相关书籍/文章等材料,基于个人理解和偏好部分措辞和中文版译者的表达会有不同。

第一篇 们为什么要考试

测验效应 (又名检索-联系效应) Testing effect (retrieval-practice effect)

1 什么是测验效应

检索(retrieval)或者(用更容易理解的方式来说)回想某一段记忆的行为和努力本身会强化我们对这段记忆的理解和留存,并且在下次需要提取这段记忆的时候我们能够更轻松更快地从大脑的海量存储中将其检索出来。这里提及的记忆涵盖面是非常广泛的,检索的对象可以是之前学习过的某项知识,比如某个英文单词的意思,也可以是某项具体技能,比如怎样发出一个乒乓球的上旋球。更进一步记忆还包括一系列知识点或者技能点构筑成的结构体系,比如说如何解答一道复杂的物理习题或者如何和队友打好配合投出一记漂亮的三分球。
测验效应的科学机制在于人类大脑的工作特性,我们的各种认知活动在大脑中是以神经回路的形式存在的,反复检索在脑科学层面的实质是不断加强特定知识或技能对应的神经回路,外在表现则是对知识和技能的熟练掌握和运用。
理解和运用测验效应是本书最重要的思想之一,也将在本系列文章后续的讨论中多次提及


图片来源:https://www.osmosis.org/learn/Testing_effect?from=/md/core-competencies/learning-science/for-students/learning-science

——最有效的学习工具之

如今无论是在中国还是世界上其他国家,反对标准化考试的声音都不绝于耳。反对者认为标准化考试过于强调死记硬背,会扼杀学生的学习动力和创造力。针对这种流行的观点,本书作者提出,对基本知识点的记忆和掌握是构建更高层次的分析、总结和创造性解决问题能力的基石,所以真正的问题不是要讨论考试是否应该继续存在,而是如何用好考试这个工具,兼顾学习知识和发展创造力。基于测试效应的原理,试应该被视为一种有效的学习策略而非一种静态的测量和筛选手段。在此视角下,考试本身就是不断检索记忆的过程,能够带来巨大的益处,主要体现在两个方面:第一,考试结果能够提供给我们关于学习效果的客观反馈,找出自己的弱项所在从而可以针对性地加强学习;第二,完成考试的过程会强化我们对考试相关知识点的记忆,帮助我们的大脑进一步整合已经学到的知识,使我们以后可以更快速地回想起相关知识。总而言之,考试本质上是在做检索练习,能够强化记忆,避免遗忘发生

基于测验效应的学习策略——风险小测验(low-stake quiz)细化(elaboration)

本书中详细介绍了在美国一所中学开展的一次耗时一年半的实地研究,其结果表明在一个学期的课堂教学中加入三次耗时仅几分钟的课前/课后低风险小测验能够将学生在学期/学年考试中的成绩提高一个等级。低风险这一特点显著缓解了学生的心理负担,因为一次小测验表现不佳带来的不利后果较小,另一方面小测验累积的学习效果让学生在准备学期和学年考试时更加轻松和自信。
一个需要避免的误区是课后测验不能用课后复习来替代,很多学习者普遍使用的复习方式是反复阅读课本或者笔记内容,试图通过短时间内高强度的重复记忆让自己更好地掌握这些知识。这其实是一个巨大的认知陷阱:反复阅读带来的流畅感会让你错误地认为自己已经学会了这些知识,但对学习材料产生的流畅感和真正掌握其蕴含的知识是完全不同的两件事。你可能可以很迅速地说出相关概念的名称,甚至背诵出书本或者笔记上的原话,但无法解答意在考察这些知识的问题。学会知识意味着理解其背后的原理,并且能在遇到问题时正确运用。相较于反复阅读,更科学的方式是对所学的知识进行细化。细化就是用你自己的方式和语言理解知识的过程,将其与已经学会的知识联系起来,新旧知识之间的关联越强,对新知识的记忆就越牢固,理解就越透彻。细化能够帮助学习者真正地学会知识,测验作为一种检索练习不仅可以强化对知识的记忆,同时也可以帮助学习者查漏补缺。

其他注意事

小测验不必都在课堂上或者老师的引导下进行,明白了其原理和好处,任何学习者都可以在学习过程中进行使用该策略,比如在读一段新的阅读材料前先问问自己在相关主题上已经掌握了什么,想要从新材料中学到什么。学习材料后可以尝试运用已经学到的知识来解答相关问题,强化学习效果。
每次检索练习之间(比如自我测试)都应该间隔一段时间,当遗忘已经开始发生时,努力回忆即检索的过程难度更大,对大脑神经回路的强化作用越明显,相应的学习效果会更持久。另外,每次测试都应该涵盖该科目或主题早先所学范围,直到我们能够条件反射般地使用这些知识和技能。
在测验后提供正确的反馈给学习者可以增强其对相关知识和技能的记忆,更为重要的是迟反馈比即刻反馈更能够带来持久的学习效果。延迟反馈的本质是间隔一段时间后再进行练习,只是练习的方式不是解题,而是发现自己理解的偏差和错漏。检索练习频率和延迟反馈背后的科学原理将在下篇文章中详细说明。

Learn More

附测试效应视频讲解链接:https://www.osmosis.org/learn/Testing_effect?from=/md/core-competencies/learning-science/for-students/learning-science 


   *This article is courtesy of Silent Light

The Value of English

英文的价

当前全世界97%的科技论文以英文发表。英文是当今世界统领科技、教育、商业、体育、文化、艺术、娱乐……的第一语言。英文是进入世界的钥匙。
英文不仅仅是国际语言,更是一种完全不同的思维方式和视角。借用美国计算机科学家、图灵奖得主Alan Kay的说法,“新视角抵得上80点智商(Perspective is worth 80 IQ points)” , 这才是英文的真正价值。
随着ChatGPT的出现和人工智能的进一步发展,信息差和复利效应将持续推高英文的价值。

我的经验和教训

我学英语是N年之前了,那时只有极少的书籍和广播节目。我高二时英语只考20多分,但是幸运地遇到极其负责的新老师,居然奇迹般地在两个月提高到接近满分,从此开始喜欢英语了。这两个月的关键是我每天晨读时持续不断地提出各种小白问题,老师不厌其烦地解答,不知不觉之间突飞猛进(实际上高中及本科英语内容总量不大,不难掌握)。

毕业后我曾经与朋友们共同翻译了两本奥地派经济学著作并出版了,体验到翻译之难——因为必须斟词酌句精准表达作者原意,好处是翻译这种输出极大地提高了英语理解能力。后来我写了5年行业分析报告(英文),最开始2个月无处下笔头疼不已,但是写习惯了也就不觉得难,同时发现写作真正提高了口语能力——写作迫使我用英语思维并有条理地表达出来,再与人对话时就可以从容不迫地边想边说,基本上很少犯语法错误了。

我也干过强背单词之类愚公移山的蠢事——英文一词多义,只有在句中或上下文中才能判断具体的义项,所以背单词的结果是不会用——大量听和读才是提高词汇量的正道。由于当时缺乏英语阅读材料,我听了两年英语广播,每周六天,每天两小时,到第四个月时开始能够听懂,之后就跟着广播念,用这种傻办法解决了听力。

习得与学得——事半功倍VS.事倍功半

最近一年为了辅导孩子学英语,开头效果不如人意,才开始认真审视英语学习的科学之道。为什么我们学母语毫不费力,但学英语如此费劲?大部分国人学了十年英语只是学到哑巴英语,甚至根本不能使用英语。

我们学母语是“习得”:无意识地自然而然地学习、使用并掌握语言的过程。在过程中学习者只是在运用语言进行交流,很多时候靠猜和思考总结出语言规律。我们周围的人同样也讲中文,这给我们创造了沉浸式语言环境,所以我们学起来毫不费力——我们甚至没有意识到正在学习语言。

学英语就不同了,“学得”是指学习者通过听老师讲解,有意识地练习、记忆语言现象和语法规则,最终了解和掌握语言,通常是吃力和痛苦的过程。首先,缺乏沉浸式语言环境。其次,缺乏正确的方法——国内的英语教学方法非常陈旧,机械式翻译教学(精读教材)、强背单词、强记语法还是主流,科学高效的方法还没有得到主流的认识和认同。其三,缺乏针对性的指导和反馈。其四,重视精读输入(泛听泛读输入量严重不足),忽视说写输出。

针对上述问题,有意识地创造语言环境(大量听力输入,看美剧),大量阅读,听和读注意可理解性输入,请老师给予针对性的指导和反馈,在生活和工作中将英语用出来(以用带学,不是学会才用),持续不断学英语就可以非常快地进阶。

英语是结构化的语言,只有5种基本句子结构(参见附二)。大量听说和阅读之后,大脑就有了基本的语法意识,再花1-2月可集中解决语法问题——这是习得法发挥重大作用的地方。

英语学习的基本单位是句子,学单词最有效的方式是有规律的大量阅读和听力,在句子和语境中自然扩展词汇,强背单词有负面效果——记住了也不会用,因为英语一词多义(甚至10-20个义项),具体义项必须结合句子和上下文才能确定。

资源、路径和方

现在网络上有极其丰富的英语学习资源,成年人(包括高中生)采用正确的方法,一年自学英语应该可到中级水平,看懂基本的文章、电影、剧集,应对日常口头及书面交流。如果继续学习半年至一年,应该可以实现英语思维,自如地用口语和写作进行专业的科技和商务交流。

学英语的几大要点:以句子为最小单位;大量听读(可理解性输入,循序渐进),用出来(找与自己的生活和工作相关的内容或场景,边学边用,以说写输出带动输入)。

以下路径供参考:

0. 看:看自己熟悉的或情节比较简单的美剧

画面可以帮助建立英语单词之音-形-义的直接对应——积累2000听力词汇量。少查词典,不懂的就猜。如果使用词典,尽量用英英词典而非英汉词典——避免中英翻译。这个过程1-2个月可以完成。

议用图文词典,比如韦氏图解词典/Merriam-Webster Visual Dictionary——图胜千文

时推荐剑桥在线词典:https://dictionary.cambridge.org

线词汇网站推荐:https://www.vocabulary.com/

  1. 听:听简单的英语播客或有声书

这是学习英语最高效的方式,将听力词汇量扩展到4000-5000。利用碎片时间(比如步行时)听播客是非常好的方式。坚持每天半小时至一小时,形成习惯后可以当作极好的学习各类优质前沿内容的方式。与同等时长的剧集相比,播客/有声书的语音输入量至少是5-10倍,是最好的听力输入之一。

先找最简单的初学者播客,听100-200期。再找一个自己专业领域的播客,听100-200期。听到后期时,可以尝试跟读,一开始正确与否不重要,可以囫囵吞枣,尽量跟上速度(跟不上就放慢播放速度)。大量听力作为输入是初始阶段的关键。播客和喜马拉雅都是很好的资源库。

有声书网站推荐:www.audible.com
初中阶英语播客推荐

  • ESLPod(English as a Second Language Podcast)这是南加州大学Jeff McQuillan博士负责编辑制作的播客,有科学研究证实其有效性,极受欢迎。另一个是Everybody ESL

阶英语播客推荐

  • The Knowledge Project主持人Shane Parrish获得达利欧等大佬重视的博客作者和投资人,主要分享各路豪杰的学习、成长与智慧
  • Tim Ferriss Show美国排名第一的商业类播客,采访各路顶尖人物
  • Master of Scale硅谷人脉之王、领英创始人Reid Hoffman 讲创业和增长策略
  • Starting Greatness硅谷投资人Mike Maples Jr硬核创投系列
  • Econtalk经济学类
  • Talks at Google
  • How I built this
  • Wisdom from the top
  • The next big idea
  • The science of success

2读:同样是从自己喜欢、简单易懂、与自己生活工作相关的内容开始

推荐APP“英语轻松读“,可以根据词汇量选择对应的阅读内容。这个APP的基本功能是免费的,也有收费功能。开发者是有趣的人,英语是自学的。

对于中高阶学习者,强烈推荐集结纳瓦尔推特风暴的两本书:The Almanack of Naval Ravikant(中文版《纳瓦尔宝典》), How to get rich without getting lucky(中文版《如何不靠运气创富》)。这两本书的主题是如何学习、成长、创业和投资以获得幸福——健康的体魄、冷静的头脑、有爱的家庭,行文用词简易但言近旨远,逻辑井然,被称为互联网时代的《穷查理宝典》。这两本书同时也是英文写作的典范。

阅读到了中高阶水平,选择的范围就非常广泛了。能够即时读懂第一手的英文内容,对工作和生活的价值就大了。

3说:最有效的方式当然是对话,输出和输入都有,是自然的学习方式

前提是有人对话;前期不要担心说错,而是在犯错中提高正确率。跟读、看剧集时选择其中一个角色来模仿,都是有效的方式。

哑巴英语的根本原因在于无法用英语思维并及时清晰有条理地表达出来。脑海里中英文交互默译不是好的方式,速度根本不能满足口语交流的即时性和互动性。

4写:写作是深度思考,促成英语思维和富有逻辑的表达,因此也是高质量口语的基础

前提:有2000-4000词汇量,有初步语法基础。

英文以简洁清晰、有说服力为美。用常见词,用主动语态,写短句。无需堆砌词汇或旁征博引。

第一阶段:每天花3分钟,写1-3个短句,坚持30天。主题最好与自己的工作或生活有关,比如我今天学到什么或遇到什么有趣的事情。坚持写就行,不必在意语法结构和正确性。

第二阶段:每天花5-10分钟,写一段约100词,坚持30天。主题同上。开始注意语法结构,不必在意是否优美。写完之后,以其内容设想一场对话。

第三阶段:每天花30-40分钟,写300-500字左右短文,坚持30天。主题同上,或从高考/托福/雅思/GMAT作文题库中选取。注意语法,先写3-4个主题句以形成逻辑线,先将各主题句拓展成为自然段。完成这个阶段,写作就不那么困难了。

第四阶段:每天花30分钟,写500字左右短文。选自己感兴趣的或与工作相关的主题,或者结合优质长文写摘要(summary)。看几种写作进阶指南,开始注意行文优美。

英语基础较好的,可以直接从第三或第四阶段开始。

重磅推荐剑桥大学提供的英语写作提升工具(人工智能软件,普通版本免费):https://writeandimprove.com/free

剑桥大学开发的软件能帮助你学习和改进写作——无论你的英语基础如何。

软件功能强大,有三个不同级别(初级、中级和高级),超过200个写作课题(task),再加上商业写作和练习写作“Just for fun”。 当在线写作完毕,或者离线写作上传,人工智能系统会立即给出反馈,指出文档中潜在的错误,还会依据欧洲语言标准CEFR打分,评估作品的水准在六个级别A1/2、B1/2、C1/2 中的哪一级。

使用者可以无限次根据反馈,来修改自己所写的东西,提高自己的得分。最值得一提的是,系统会记录使用者的写作改进历程。

推荐在线写作批改神器(础功能免费)www.grammarly.com
B
站也有很多写作视频课。写作指南:

  • Academic English: Writing SpecializationCoursera术写作课:https://www.coursera.org/specializations/academic-english
  • Writing in Sciences,斯坦福大学科学写作:https://online.stanford.edu/courses/som-y0010-writing-sciences
  • The Harvard Writing Project,哈佛大学写作指南:https://writingproject.fas.harvard.edu/pages/writing-guides
  • Online Writing LabOWL-普渡大学写作指南,最为完善,OWL面向大学生,但同时亦适用于学习英文写作的外国初高中生:https://owl.purdue.edu/index.html

附一 著名作家Scott Adams(呆伯特系列创作人)的三分钟极简写作指

The Day You Became A Better Writer

I went from being a bad writer to a good writer after taking a one-day course in “business writing.” I couldn’t believe how simple it was. I’ll tell you the main tricks here so you don’t have to waste a day in class.

Business writing is about clarity and persuasion. The main technique is keeping things simple. Simple writing is persuasive. A good argument in five sentences will sway more people than a brilliant argument in a hundred sentences. Don’t fight it.

Simple means getting rid of extra words. Don’t write, “He was very happy” when you can write “He was happy.” You think the word “very” adds something. It doesn’t. Prune your sentences.

Humor writing is a lot like business writing. It needs to be simple. The main difference is in the choice of words. For humor, don’t say “drink” when you can say “swill”.

Your first sentence needs to grab the reader. Go back and read my first sentence to this post. I rewrote it a dozen times. It makes you curious. That’s the key.

Write short sentences. Avoid putting multiple thoughts in one sentence. Readers aren’t as smart as you’d think.

Learn how brains organize ideas. Readers comprehend “the boy hit the ball” quicker than “the ball was hit by the boy.” Both sentences mean the same, but it’s easier to imagine the object (the boy) before the action (the hitting). All brains work that way. (Notice I didn’t say, “That is the way all brains work”?)

That’s it. You just learned 80% of the rules of good writing. You’re welcome.

附二 五种基本句型

英语句子长短不一,变化万千,但归纳起来只有五种基本句型。

千变万化的英语句子,都可以看作是这五种基本句型及其扩大、组合、省略或倒装。

一、

为简明起见,用字母来代替词性:

S(subject)—主语

V(predicate verb)–谓语动词

P(predicative)—表语

O(direct object)—直接宾语

o(indirect object)—间接宾语

C(complement)—补语

M(modifier)—修饰语(包括定语和状语),不一定出现在句型中。

二、五种基本句型:图示与范

1.   S+V+P  (S +Link V) 系表结构  

主动是状态的主格,系动词作谓语,名词或形容词作表语(表明状态),没有动作承受者。

They are our teachers. (他们是我们的老师。)

The boy is smart.(男孩很聪明。)

2.   S+ V 主谓结构

主语是动作的发出者,不及物动词作谓语,没有动作的承受者。

Great minds think alike. (英雄所见略同。) 

3.   S+V+O  主谓宾结构  

主语是动作发出者,及物动词作谓语或不及物动词加介词作谓语,宾语是动作的承受者。

The girl expressed her wish. (那个女孩子表达了她的愿望。)

Small things amuse small minds. (小人无大志。) 

4.  S+V+o+O  主谓双宾语结构   (双宾语——同为名词)

间接宾语(通常是人或有生命的物)在前面,直接宾语(通常是无生命的物)在后面。

The teacher told the students his history. (老师给学生们讲他的经历。) 

She gave me a book. (她给了我一本书。)

5.  S+V+O+C  主谓宾+宾补结构  (宾语补足语通常由名词或形容词充当,补足其状态)

We found the hall full. (我们发现礼堂坐满了。)

You made me a hero. (你让我成了英雄。)

三、简单句组成并列句或复合句(主从句)

并列句:You are a boy, and I am a girl.

复合句:主句+从句,如原因/时间/地点状语从句,定语从句,宾语从句等:

  • 状语从句:I am not feeling well, because I caught a bad cold.
  • 定语从句:I like the book very much, which you bought yesterday.
  • 宾语从句:I think that you are right about this issue.

四、功能分

按功能分,句子还可分为祈使句、感叹句、陈述句、疑问句,皆为上述五种基本句型的变化,万变不离其宗。

上述五种句型按谓语动词的时态(如完成时/进行时/将来时等)、语态(主动与被动)、主谓一致,加上句子的其它成分(如状语、定语等),形成诸多语法点。

时态对句意的影响:

I think you are right (我认为你是对的) vs. I thought you were right (我原以为你是对的——现在不这样认为)。

掌握上述基本句型,是口语、阅读、写作的底层能力。

*This article is courtesy of Silent Light