Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[rice07]

Hi teachers
Here's a brief from NBA reports as follows:
LeBron James led Cleveland,which was playing the second game of a back-to-back,with 27 points.
My guestion is that what "game of a back-to-back"means.Thanks!

[bud]

NBA basketball teams play 2-3 games each week. When they play a game on each of two consecutive days (an uncommon occurrence), they are referred to as back-to-back games.

The term can be used in any sport where teams usually play every few days.

[rice07]

Hi Bud
Thanks for your explanation! I dig it. It needs effort for those who are not native speakers to figure that out,especially those special terms.

[bud]

[rice07]

Hi Bud
With having plenty of generous teachers like you,I'm not scared of English any more. Anyway,I'd like to say you're extremely awesome;I'm indebted to you,Bud.

[rice07]

Hi Bud
If you don't mind my asking,there's one thing I want to mention, and I think it could be the most thing for all of us here wanting to improve English to know - Do you think it's a good way to better English by reading newspaper?
Basically,in my opinion,I think reading newspaper can widen my vocabulary rapidly,but it's a little frustrating ,especialy for not a native English speaker like me,that I have no one around to talk with in English .Maybe learning language takes time,so sometimes I feel it difficult to make instant response without hesitating in English when I'm trying to express whatever in my mind understood.I think that because I haven't got some fundamental factors enough,like vocabulary,idioms, phrases,and collocations.So do you think,with taking a lot of reading to repeatedly form those factors in mind that English will be natural and easy,a right way?Anyway I hope I didn't cramp your style;please don't hesitate to correct me because your advice's truly welcome.Thanks ,Bud.

[CP]

[rice07]

Hi Cp
Yes, sure,Bud deserves that praise.But I should have been more tactful to thank to everyone having been making an effort to help learners in here improve their English.By the way ,what do you think the question I raised to Bud.Further to say,if I havn't got too many opportunities to speak english,I can make a mental note about vocabulary,idioms,phrases,and collocations,then to form those pratical usages repeatedly in mind,whereas English will be natural and easy to use without hesitating,right?More advice is truly welcome;many hands make things light.Thanks!

[bud]

Thank you Rice and CP!.. I see a lot of awesome folks in here, though, both learning and teaching!

Rice, I would encourage you to use any tools that interest you. If that is newspapers, that is good. If it's music, that is good. If it's TV shows, that is good. If you have a natural interest in the content, why not use that as an incentive and a tool to learn English!

Conversing is the most difficult thing to master. Be patient with yourself, and trust that most native speakers will understand and be patient, too. Wouldn't you be patient with me if I were trying to converse with you in your native language?

And when there is no one to talk to in English, maybe you could talk to yourself (out loud if you are alone, or silently if not). What are you thinking right now? Try to put that thought into an English sentence, but without translating it from your native tongue. Describe your surroundings to yourself. Whatever comes to mind...

You've already made great progress! Good luck to get where you want to be!

[rice07]

Hi Bud
Roger and wilco !
Those're really good pieces advice for me.
In fact,my ability to read or listen to program is ok,but not excellent.As you said earlier-conversing is difficult,if I didn't have many opportunities to interact with others by speaking English.But I think that your idea is brilliant-Why not try conversing with myself! You should give a shot to think everything sorrounding you in English. Ok! Roger,wilco! Thanks,Bud.

[CP]

[rice07]

Hi Cp
Likewise(Have a nive day)!
Yes,right you are! Sincerely thank to everyone helping develope this forum.