English becomes a lifelong skill once mastered

TALKING of English proficiency, some make reference to PPSMI. But PPSMI is only the teaching of Maths and Science in English. Scoring As in these subjects does not mean one is good in English.

I support the application of PPSMI in our education system, and more importantly is its effectiveness. Some students understand their lecturer but are not able to speak or write in English.

I hope that after matriculation or STPM students get more involved in soft skills in English, including public speaking, oral interaction and writing. My father always says “don’t speak Malay if you want to improve your English”. I believe there is truth in this. How can students focus on English when we use Malay 80% of the time in school?

We can’t change every subject to English but we can make time for English, a specific time where students focus on it.

I practice speaking English every day and want to engage in public speaking even though I am still not fluent in English.

However, the public speaking course in universities is only for Bands 5 and 6 students in the Malaysian University English Test, not for Band 3 students like me. It’s sad that study of the English language is being limited in universities.

We should also have two- or three- month English courses after the UPSR and PMR to familiarise students with the language.

Also, make English a required subject for entrance into public higher education institutions. This can motivate students to practice speaking English daily, and they will not feel shy about it since this is for an exam.

Learning English is not a waste of time. It is not something easily forgotten like Science and Maths. It is a lifetime skill. ABU HUZAIFAH, Ampang, Selangor.