Reading and comprehension

A new start: Mahmoud’s first week at college

Well, the first week has nearly passed, with no real problems to tell you about so far. It hasn’t been easy though.

Now read the email Mahmoud sent home.

• The language: he’s been studying English for many years, but this is like being a beginner all over again.
• Getting better: he’s beginning to get used to hearing English all around him.
• This week: a time of settling in: finding his way around, meeting people on the same course, joining clubs and societies.

Clubs and societies: the Freshers’ Week notice

• Why join: clubs and societies are more than just an optional extra – they’re a vital part of college life.
• What they offer: a great way to meet like-minded people and expand your interests or participate more fully in a field you already know.

Now use those words in sentences.

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone

Comfort zone: why stay in it and why leave it

Now read the text and check your ideas.

• Staying inside: it has many benefits, especially at times when you’re feeling under stress.
• Why leave it: we’re often told in ‘self-help’ books that it’s a good idea to do things that are outside our comfort zones.
• Feeling positive: an important factor is the feeling that they are developing and making progress in their lives.
• Full potential: you won’t reach your full potential if you only do what you know you are able to do.

• Getting stuck: people often get stuck in their comfort zones and don’t feel able to try different things.
• The excuse: many people think ‘This is the way I am and I’ll never change’, using this as an excuse for not trying something new.
• After the effort: the door to new experiences will be open and you’ll probably wonder why you thought it was a problem.