Second Language Literacy Autobiography

As an EFL learner, I started to learn English since I was a junior high school student. In order to get higher grades in the standardized tests, what I should do was to study harder. During classes, teachers adopted the test-oriented instruction. In English classes, we focused on understanding and memorizing new vocabularies, grammar, sentence patterns. As for speaking and listening, these abilities were rarely emphasized. Although I felt bored to do such tasks for advancing my English grades under the spoon-fed education system, I must admit that I built my reading and writing abilities.
After I entered in the senior high school, improving reading and writing abilities was the priority. Not only did I have to master the content in the textbook, but also I spent time reading the extension materials, like analysis of sentence structures, and verb tenses. Also, sentence practice was also included in the English classes. During long-term holidays, English teacher would assign us to read some revised well-known stories, such as A Christmas Carol, and Pride and Prejudice. Even though I bore burden to prepare for English classes and tests at that time, I still worked hard for getting higher grades. Up to now, I think reading articles is an appropriate method to cultivate students’ reading and writing abilities.
When I attended in the university, learning English was not just restricted in the classes or textbooks. Watching movies, listening to American songs would bring me to get acquainted with the American culture and improve my English proficiency. Furthermore, progressing in listening, speaking, reading, and writing was expected as a student majoring in English department. Instructors would encourage us to speak out in the classes, and group discussion and presentation offer us the chance to learn English spontaneously.
Further, when I am immersing in the American culture, the experience would benefit me in progression in English. I find that learning in the authentic environment would enhance the English ability through contacting with the native speakers under diverse circumstances.