why is it so difficult to undestand spoken English while learning it?

We sometimes have difficulties to understand spoken English in real usage. The classroom scenario tends to be an approximation from reality, a simulation of a series of situations where the teacher strives to get the best from the student and naturally, in this process, ends up grading down/up his(her) language. The teachers out there will most certainly understand this dilema... Either one speaks down the natural level to "help" the learners getting the idea that has proven difficult to convey or even one tries to force an unnatural speech pace to push the learner into fast traking the learning process. One way or the other, the learner who normally isn't exposed to spoken English finds himself/herself in a learning environment where real and quality exposure to the languge is scarse. Here I put this topic up to discission. What are your biggest challenges as a teacher, as a learner?? Leave a comment and  let's share some ideas on this very relevant matter...

Trouble using commas in English?

Commas: Quick Rules

Summary: This resource offers a number of pages about comma use.

Contributors:Dana Driscoll, Allen Brizee
Last Edited: 2010-04-17 06:02:09

The comma is a valuable, useful punctuation device because it separates the structural elements of sentences into manageable segments. The rules provided here are those found in traditional handbooks; however, in certain rhetorical contexts and for specific purposes, these rules may be broken.

The following is a short guide to get you started using commas. This resource also includes sections with more detailed rules and examples.

Quick Guide to Commas

1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.

2. Use commas after

MEDLEY IN BRAZIL - ESPECIAL MAMONAS #1 - SWING SWING com @TheMansfield @...

THE STRUCTURE OF RELATIVE CLAUSES

A relative clause always immediately follows the noun it modifies. Like all clauses, relative clauses have a subject and a verb. The relative pronoun may be the subject of the clause, but it isn’t always.

                      (Main noun)       (Rel. Pro)I ate the ice cream that was in the freezer.
                                              (Subj)    (Verb)

                           (Main Noun)   (Rel. Pro)I didn’t eat the pie that you were saving for tonight.                                                          (Subj)        (Verb)

        A relative pronoun is usually the first...