Thuy Le

MEMORANDUM

To: Ms. Takei
FROM: Thuy Le
DATE: 4/30/02
SUBJECT: MY READING HABITS

I'm a visual, auditory and tactile learner. At school, I take notes while the teacher lectures. I usually read books at home. I do many things before I start to read. For example, I turn off the music or T.V because I like a quiet environment for studying. I think that a suitable environment can help me learn more. Therefore, I often lie on the sofa or in my bedroom. I have a plan to read about an hour everyday. I usually read books, watch the news or closed captiononing programs in the evening. When I read books or news papers, I get a dictionary and a pencil. I scan the page for the topic heading. Then I scan the paragraph. If I don't understand, I read slowly, I write the new words on my vocabulary card or in my notebook. I hang a card with these new words in the bedroom or in the bathroom. I hope some strategies have helped me become more successful in my college classes.


MEMORANDUM

To: Mrs. Takei
FROM: Thuy Le
DATE: 5-7-02
SUBJECT: Computer.

Some people think that they waste more time on computers and others think that computers are very helpful. I think computers are very useful. Most departments use computers such as hospitals, companies, police, schools, airports, markets, and students. People use computers for their jobs. They can read news, send email, do homework, buy and order something by computer. Today in the US, if you can't use computer, it means you do not know how to write and read. You can see your friends from far way by computer. That is why computers have been developing in the US for the past 30 years and a lot of people love them.


To Improve My English Skills

5/10/02

Reading helps me to improve my English language skills, such as spelling and vocabulary. First of all, spelling is important for writing classes. When I read, I can learn the correct spelling of words, especially the long words with two, three, or more syllables. For example, when I read the news, I see new words in advertising. After that, I go in the street and see the same words on billboards, too. It helps me remember those words clearly. Then I hear many of the same words in TV commercials. At home, when I read, I usually get a pencil and a dictionary. If I don't understand the new words' meanings, I scan the paragraph quickly. Then, after I read the paragraph I write the new words down. Finally, I look up the word for pronunciation. I usually read books, newspapers, and closed-captioning on TV. They help to improve my vocabulary, too. If I read everyday, I can learn correct grammar and acquire a stronger vocabulary. All of this helps me to write and talk better. I think when my reading and writing is better, I will be able to watch the news, listen to music, and communicate with strangers in English easily. Good communication skills will be very useful for my life in the U.S. I hope reading helps me to become more successful in my English language skills.