Hello, Grade 9 students! Are you ready to turn English into a "key" to unlock knowledge from all around the world?
Welcome to our lesson on "English across the Curriculum." Have you ever wondered why we have to study English? In reality, English isn't just for passing exams in the classroom; it's an incredible tool that will help you understand subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, or even Art more deeply, because most global knowledge is recorded in English!
In this chapter, we will explore how to connect English with other subjects and look at some simple, practical research techniques. If it feels like there is a lot of vocabulary at first, don't worry—we’ll practice together step by step!
1. Why is English important for other subjects?
Imagine you want to learn about "Black Holes" or the "history of K-pop bands." If you search for information in Thai, you'll get a certain amount of information, but if you use English, you can access sources from all over the world instantly!
Key Point: This lesson focuses on how to "Search," "Gather," and "Summarize" information from other subjects using English.
2. Academic Vocabulary
Each subject has its own "specialized vocabulary." If you know these words, reading academic articles will become much easier!
Science
Experiment = A test under controlled conditions
Environment = The surroundings or conditions in which living things operate
Energy = The power to do work
Ecosystem = A biological community of interacting organisms
Example: "Global warming affects our ecosystem."
Mathematics
Calculate = To determine mathematically
Percent / Percentage = A rate per hundred
Average = The mean value of a set of numbers
Shape = The form or outline of an object
Example: "The average height of students in this class is 160 cm."
Social Studies & Geography
Culture = The customs and social behavior of a society
Continent = A large landmass
Population = All the inhabitants of a particular place
Economy = The wealth and resources of a country
Example: "Asia is the largest continent in the world."
Did you know? Many English words have roots in Latin or Greek. If you know these roots, you can easily guess the meanings of words in other subjects! For example, "Bio-" means life (Biology = the study of life, Biography = a story of a person's life).
3. Reading Techniques for Research (Skimming & Scanning)
When you have to read long articles for other subjects, you don't need to translate every single word! Just use these two techniques:
1. Skimming: Reading quickly to get the "big picture" or the main idea. Look at the title and the first sentence of each paragraph.
2. Scanning: Looking specifically for "detailed information," such as numbers, dates, names, or specific terms you need.
Key Point: Don't waste time on words you don't know. If the word doesn't affect the main point, try to guess the meaning from the surrounding context before opening a dictionary.
4. Summarizing Information
Once you've gathered information from other subjects, use this simple structure to summarize it in English:
Step 1: State the Topic, e.g., "This article is about..."
Step 2: State the Key Points using linking words like "First," "Then," and "Finally."
Step 3: Provide a conclusion, e.g., "In conclusion, ..."
Common Mistake: Many students try to translate word-for-word from Thai, which can sometimes make the meaning sound strange. Try using the basic Subject + Verb + Object structure—it's the easiest way to be clear!
5. Examples of English Across Subjects
Let's look at some example sentences you might encounter or need to write:
Physical Education: "Eating healthy food and exercising regularly can reduce heart disease."
Art: "Primary colors are red, blue, and yellow."
History: "The Ancient Egyptians built the pyramids."
Key Takeaways
1. English is a bridge: It allows us to learn more broadly about other subjects using global resources.
2. Build your vocabulary: Try to memorize the technical terms of the subjects you are interested in.
3. Practice researching: Frequently search for information on English websites—start with topics you enjoy!
4. Summarize the content: Practice identifying the main points and summarizing them into simple sentences.
Studying "English across the Curriculum" isn't difficult; just think of English as a friend who will take you to discover more about this world. Good luck, Grade 9s! I believe in all of you!