There's a way.

600 Essential Words for the TOEIC: with Audio CD (600 Essential Words for the Toeic Test) (2008/07/01) Lin Lougheed Ed.D. View detail of this item

I met one of my friends yesterday for the first time in months. She had taken the exam called TOEIC test, Test of English for International Communication, several months ago and got 960 out of 990. Amazing. I've come to like speaking English, but my TOEIC test score is horrible. The problem is that I can't seem to focus on what the speakers are talking about. I tend to think of something else that has less to do with the questions. I can't help but be a daydreamer. I have to learn not only English words and expressions but also the methods how to concentrate on the conversation. But how?

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE: CHILDREN'S EDITION (HARRY POTTER 6) (2005/07/16) J.K. ROWLING View detail of this item

"Merlin's beard!"
This expression appeared in one of the Harry Potter books called "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." When I saw the expression for the first time, I was completely confused and couldn't figure out what it meant. Was that because I was not familiar with the name Merlin? Well, there was more to it than that. I was puzzled because I didn't try reading between the lines.
I'd say "Merlin's beard!" could be translated into こりゃ驚いた or とんでもない in Japanese. As you probably know, "Merlin's beard" isn't a fixed English expression; this was made by the author, J.K.Rowling. It means "Oh, my!" or "No way," which is used when you are surprised.
Not only Japanese people but also native English speakers (Muggles only, of course) may be confused with the expression. It won't be the case, though. I'd say many native English speakers don't have any problems while reading. Why is that? I guess they can picture the scene other than the expression. I was puzzled because I focused on it too much. I might have been able to comprehend the meaning if I hadn't been a hairsplitter...


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This wouldn't be the case, though.



[VOON] Merlin's beard 2

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007/07/21) J.K. Rowling View detail of this item

I finished reading all of the Harry books two years ago, and I know what just happened to Harry in the end. Having said that, I find rereading the books is quite interesting, so I've been reading the Harry Potter books. I'm not a native English speaker, so I still come across some unfamiliar phrases or expressions. They cause me some trouble and make me spend extra time and energy.
One day, I bought the Harry's audio books: it was a good decision! You can read (listen to, exactly) the Harry books even when you're cooking! The audio books not only let me to save my precious time but also bring me an imaginative world! If you haven't tried it yet, this is the time. You'll see a new world of Harry Potter!

Friends - The Complete First Season () Jennifer AnistonCourteney Cox View detail of this item

Sorry if you like "Friends," but when I watched it for the first time, I thought the TV drama was not my cup of tea AT ALL. I didn't get the reason why it was so popular among Japanese English learners. Without Japaneses subtitles, it was impossible for me to follow each story. Even with Japanese subtitles, I didn't understand why their jokes were hits with the audiences.
I didn't want to rely on "Friends" to improve my listening skills, but I just followed my friends' advice. She said, "You'll see." And now I know she was right. I'm totally into "Friends," and I'm happy to say that I can get what they are saying here and there! I still have trouble understanding English lines and jokes, but I strongly recommend "Friends" if you're an English learner. I can assure you that you can study a second language for fun!

Skype(TM): The Definitive Guide (2006/05/15) Harry MaxTaylor Ray View detail of this item

What I'm interested in now is "Skype." I'd like to chat in English in order to improve my English skills, but I rarely have a chance to get to know anyone who shares my interests. When I heard about "Skype" several months ago, I didn't find it so interesting. I should've asked the person who gave me a piece of information about it.
Have you ever made use of Skype? What's it like?


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who told me about for more information.