The first issue of the "Learning English" newsletter was delayed because we all got very excited while discussing what to include, and the list of topics just kept on growing. We've decided to limit it to just "Myths About Learning English" - there are plenty of them in Taiwan and we have lots to say on this topic. For starters, read the statement below and decide what you think:

"The education system in Taiwan is not very good and local teachers don't speak good English. Taiwanese people can usually write good English, but don't speak well and are afraid to try because we don't have much chance to practise. And we do badly in international tests because they always talk about subjects we don't study. The tests are created for people from a European background. I need to find a foreign teacher who will correct my mistakes and teach me more vocabulary so that I can produce better English sentences. Good English sentences are long and use lots of idioms. If I know lots of slang my English will be more like a native-speaker."

Most Taiwanese people agree with most of what is written above, but in fact it's all untrue. In the next few weeks we will be sending you short articles that will PROVE this. It will be interesting to see what you think, and what your friends think, so please tell everyone you know to sign up for the newsletters!