Speak English Fluently. Exercise 2: Mind-Maps. Be sure to watch the introductory video to this playlist before doing this exercise. Click on the link below in the description. But here are the instructions in brief: First, turn up the volume so the teacher's voice is loud. Second, read the words in red out loud at the same time as the teacher. And three, pay attention to the teacher's voice intonation and the word groups. Are you ready? Then let's start. At this very moment, millions of brain cells inside your head are busy receiving information. Each brain cell has a centre from which radiate branches called dendrites, which can link with dendrites of another brain cell through electrical impulses. Each of these brain cells looks like a super-octopus, with a central body and tens, hundreds, or thousands, of tentacles.

This basic knowledge of the brain cell can have a huge impact on how we learn and how we teach. What if we could, in some way, imitate this radiant design in learning/teaching methodology? Suppose an English language student creates a core group of 5 new words related to a central theme. From those 5 new words synonyms and antonyms are also introduced, along with phrasal verbs and sentences in various tenses. Instead of students laboriously writing down a list of words and phrases, they draw a map imitating the brain cell. With a sheet of paper in landscape mode, they put the central theme in the middle. Then a branch is created from the centre along which a keyword is written. Sub-branches and lines are drawn out from the main branch containing synonyms, antonyms, and phrasal verbs. A different colour is used for each branch. Small cartoons, or symbols and drawings

are inserted beside some of the words and 
related words to illustrate their meaning. This method is often referred to as mind mapping. Mind Maps were formally introduced 
to the world in the spring of 1974 by the method's creator, Tony Buzan. In a nutshell, 
he explains: Rather than starting from the top and working down in sentences or lists, one 
should start from the centre with the main idea and branch out as dictated by the individual 
ideas and general form of the central theme. (2) Now, using mind mapping, a student can quickly 
absorb vocabulary at a glance, and with one major advantage. Just as the dendrites in a group of 
brain cells can link and connect with each other, the student can now easily see connections 
and co-relationships between keywords and related words. The brain starts to see 
how various words relate to each other. As explained by Edward De Bono, a leading 
authority on thinking skills, The mind functions

to create patterns out of its surroundings. Once 
the patterns are formed, it becomes possible to   recognize them, to react to them, to use them.
As the patterns are used, they become ever more   firmly established. (3) By regularly 
reviewing this mind map, or word tree,   the mind quickly and easily absorbs new 
vocabulary, thus firmly establishing new patterns.  The brain eagerly soaks up the lesson 
depicted in a variety of colours   with associated pictures and symbols. What 
an exciting and enjoyable way to learn!   Language study can take on a whole new dimension 
with students often making rapid progress.   Whether in the learning or teaching arena, 
imitating brain cells can be very powerful.  That is the end of the reading.
Repeat this exercise many times until you   can synchronize your reading with the teacher.
Practice other exercises in this playlist   and see a major improvement in 
your English speaking fluency.  Oh, and by the way, here's 
an example of a Mind Map:

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ENGLISH READING PRACTICE: Exercise 2 (Advanced)

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