Learning English through music and songs can be very enjoyable. You can mix pleasure with learning when you listen to a song and exploit the song as a means to your English progress. Some underlying reason can be drawn to support the idea why we use songs in language learning.
Firstly, “the song stuck in my head” Phenomenon (the echoing in our minds of the last song we heard after leaving a restaurant, shopping malls, etc) can be both enjoyable and sometimes unnerving. This phenomenon also seems to reinforce the idea that songs work on our short-and-long term memory.
Secondly, songs in general also use simple conversational language, with a lot of repetition, which is just what many learners look for sample text. The fact that they are effective makes them many times more motivating than other text. Although usually simple, some songs can be quite complex syntactically, lexically and poetically, and can be analyzed in the same way as any other literary sample.
Furthermore, song can be appropriated by listener for their own purpose. Most pop songs and probably many other types don’t have precise people, place or time reference.
In addition, songs are relaxing. They provide variety and fun, and encourage harmony within oneself and within one group. Little wonder they are important tools in sustaining culture, religion, patriotism and yeas, even revolution.
Last but not least, there are many learning activities we can do with songs such as studying grammar, practicing selective listening comprehension, translating songs, learning vocabulary, spelling and culture.
From the elaboration above, it can be concluded that learning through music and songs, learning English can be enjoyable and fun.
1. The type of the text above is …
a) Analytical exposition
b) Hortatory exposition
c) Narrative
d) Discussion
e) Explanation
2. What is the communicative purpose of the text?
a) To tell the reader about the songs
b) To entertain the reader with the songs
c) To show the reader the use of songs
d) To explain above the songs
e) To persuade the reader to use songs in learning language
3. The generic structures of the text are ….
a) Thesis – arguments – recommendation
b) General statement – sequential explanation
c) Newsworthy events – background events – sources
d) Thesis – arguments – reiteration
e) General statement – arguments
4. What is the text about ….
a) Learning songs
b) Very enjoyable music
c) The phenomenon
d) Music listeners
e) Using songs in language learning
5. Based on the text, there are …… reason for using songs in learning language
a) 6
b) 4
c) 5
d) 3
e) 2
6. “They provide variety and fun, and encourage harmony within oneself and within one group.”
The underlined word refers to ….
a) Groups
b) Learners
c) People
d) Songs
e) Activities
