Fluency: Transform Your Language Skills with Large Block Learning

Language learning is a daunting mountain to climb. Where do you even start when you're staring up at the peak? Over my 15 years of teaching in South Korea, I've found a powerful method that not only simplifies the ascent but can also move you forward in your goal to fluency: large block learning. Let's see what it means.

The Power of Large Block Learning

Imagine building a wall not with tiny bricks, but with large, pre-shaped sections. That's the essence of large block learning. This is about understanding and using substantial chunks of language—phrases, idiomatic expressions, and sentence patterns—as whole units. This approach doesn't just copy how native speakers learn their mother tongues; it helps them learnin the process, making real-life communication smoother and more natural.

What Exactly Are Large Blocks?

Large blocks are sequences of words that naturally flow together in speech or writing, commonly found in the everyday language of native speakers. These aren't just random collections of words; they are meaningful units that carry grammatical patterns and rich vocabulary.

Examples include:

• "On the other hand…"—a transition often used to introduce an alternative point of view.
• "It’s a good idea to…"—a phrase that smoothly leads into a suggestion.

By learning these blocks, you bypass the need for piecemeal sentence construction, which can be slow and error-prone.

Why Dual Subscores in the DET Matter for Test Takers and Institutions

Why Focus on Large Blocks for the Duolingo English Test?

When tackling a huge test like the DET, knowing how to utilize large blocks can significantly elevate your performance across all test sections:

• Grammatical Accuracy: Large blocks inherently follow grammatical rules, serving as templates that you can reliably use.
• Lexical Sophistication: These blocks introduce contextually appropriate vocabulary, showing off your language prowess.
• Fluency: Using large blocks helps you speak and write more fluidly, reducing pauses and hesitations as you think of what to say next.

Strategies for Using Large Blocks

1. Contextual Learning: Dive into media rich in native speech—watch films, listen to podcasts, and conversations. Note the frequent phrases and start integrating them into your own usage. This really works.
2. Active Repetition: Use these blocks again and again across different contexts to grasp their versatility.
3. Chunked Practice: Practice speaking in larger chunks rather than individual words to build speed and confidence. Begin to make stories with words.
4. Technological Aid: Use apps and tools that highlight common blocks or phrases in real usage, allowing for targeted practice.

Embrace the Blocks, Boost Your Score

Incorporating large blocks into your study routine can revolutionize how you learn a language. It’s about shifting from seeing language as a barrier to using it as a bridge to achieving your goals, whether for testing, travel, or career progression.