Not everyone has access to proper language classes, but that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck with language learning apps. Willpower is key to unlocking the door of mastery; no matter which approach you choose, it’s important to revisit the language you are learning every day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. That said, here are some creative ways to help you with a new language:

One of the most common advice for language learners is to consume films and shows in the language they are learning. A step down the ladder would be to watch children’s cartoons instead. These cartoons often consist of basic phrases and words that one would learn at an elementary level. Plus, cartoons usually come with clearer and slower pronunciation, which will help learners adjust to understanding without subtitles (字幕).

If watching cartoons is not your cup of tea, fear not, for there is the alternative of listening to podcasts and songs in the language you are trying to master. Not only can you pick up idioms, but you can also explore various topics to expand your vocabulary and grasp small differences within various contexts.

When practising speaking, one runs the risk of making mistakes or embarrassing oneself when attempting to practise in public or with a native speaker, so, instead, start small. Speak to your pet or an object around the house. Tell it about your day or describe how you feel. The goal is to get used to sounding the letters, producing the accent, and getting the words out. As you grow more confident, work up to the wait staff at an authentic French restaurant (or whatever language you may be working on) or a native speaker.

An underrated method to put your writing skills to test is to keep a pen pal. Ideally, find someone who is not only fluent in the language you are learning, but who is also learning a language you are fluent in. Through the exchange of letters, you not only get to practise your writing skills but can also provide feedback to each other.

1.According to the author, _______ play important roles in learning a new language.

A confidence and honesty

B confidence and practising

C insisting and reviewing

D writing and reciting

解析：选C。C细节理解题。根据第一段中的“Willpower is key”“it’s important to revisit the language you are learning every day”可知，学习一门新语言，坚持和复习都很重要。故选C。

2.2.The author recommends children’s cartoons to new language learners because ________. ①understanding the pronunciation is easier ②the content is easier to learn ③they are often more interesting ④the expressions are enough for daily life

A ①②

B ②③

C ③④

D ①④

解析：选A。A细节理解题。根据第二段中的“These cartoons often consist of basic phrases and words that one would learn at an elementary level.”“cartoons usually come with clearer and slower pronunciation”可知，儿童动画片常常能学到小学阶段的基本短语和单词，即其内容简单；儿童动画片发音通常更清晰、更慢，因此更容易听懂发言。故选A。

3.How can we start to practise speaking?

A Practise with a native speaker.

B Speak in public situations.

C Talk to waiters in restaurants.

D Talk to things around the house.

解析：选D。D细节理解题。根据倒数第二段中的“so, instead, start small. Speak to your pet or an object around the house.”可以从小事情做起，比如和家里的宠物或者其他物品说话练习新学的语言。故选D。

4.Who might be the best pen pal for Jane who is an English native speaker and wants to learn Chinese?

A Lily, a native Chinese speaker.

B Adam, a Chinese beginner.

C Christina, who is interested in Chinese.

D Li Wei, an English major student from China.

解析：选D。D推理判断题。根据最后一段内容可知，找一个不仅能流利地说你正在学习的语言，而且正在学习你精通的语言的人当笔友最适合。结合选项可知，来自中国的英语专业的学生最适合当简的笔友。故选D。