CONTEST : Which English Language Skill Is the Most Difficult for You?

English was an interesting subject since I was at school. I'm using the word "interesting" not because I love it or it was easy for me to learn the language. It is interesting because in our school syllabus we have English curriculum as the second language for 13 years. We learn this subject from our preschool, every day. Yet, when we are leaving school we hate to speak it in public and we struggle.

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The English language has the lowest pass rate in our education system. It is lower than 50%, which meant to say every one out of two students fail English subject. However, I was able to pass my college exams without an issue. I was quite good at understanding the language mainly because I was used to watching English cartoons and films. Also, at that age I was listening to only English songs, honestly, it was just a show-off then. So, the listening part was the easiest for me.

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Then, I used to find the lyrics and sing the songs I'm listening to. That is where I think I actually improved my pronouncing and vocabulary. Because in the government schools we did not have any chance to communicate with anyone in English. Even if you do so, you will be a joke to the majority of students. After practicing a few songs I was able to remember the lyrics and sing naturally. So, reading also becomes quite natural to me.

The writing was quite challenging, because not like listening or reading, here I had to apply the grammar rules. Without knowing proper grammar nobody can deliver the exact point. With an extra effort, I learned very basic grammar and somehow, I was among the best students for essay writing. Now, when I think back, I'm sure I did it because luckily I was only listening to the English songs and had a habit of showing off that I know the lyrics too 😂😂

Well for the most part of my life, I thought I know English. I passed the exam with good grades, then I went to Singapore for my higher studies. Then, I was speaking as well. There were class presentations, no problem PowerPoint helped me throughout. I have practiced the presentations or even remember the points by heart. Otherwise, I was used to reading what in the presentation when there are hiccups. Even the other students also came from Myanmar, India, or China. So, we all struggle together. There were no laughs or joking when you make mistakes, no judgments.

Then I got a job, my first job. I was over the moon to receive my job because that was kind of a final goal in my life at that time. I was the trainee receptionist for a reputed hotel. The phone was ringing... I was supposed to pick it up, but I froze for a moment! My supervisor was yelling because I was trained to answer the call before three rings. I completely lose everything for a moment and my hand was shaking! The pressure got into me and I felt English so alien to me. So, there you go @ftz, Speaking is the hardest one for me.

With time, I became a somewhat fluent speaker. Now I do not have such pressure to present myself. Because I have been speaking with guests from all around the world for my entire hotel career. Then I conduct a training session for more than 100 participants sometimes. I believe I do not have a speaking issue right now. But it was by far the hardest one for me.

I invite @nishadi89, @jobreyes24, @enveng & @nabanitad to participate and share what you feel about the language.

Thank you!