My Conversational Class My first conversational class was taken just a few minutes ago tonight that lasted about an hour. We talked about basketball games, lovely pictures and some phrases. I find that the most important thing for me is to do more listening exercises involving English idioms, because I could never know what people are talking about even though I can figure out every word from them. I felt kind of nervous and depressed because I wasted much time on thinking of what I wanted to describe. However, I really believe I can get better and master English language.

My first class on italki I took an English class tonight with a professional teacher who comes from the United States. I understood what she said if she spoke slowly, but it would be difficult to catch all meanings for me as long as she talked quickly or used some idioms. In fact, usage of English idioms is a big mission for non-English speakers in my opinion. Some teachers told me that the more phrases you have mastered, the better your English could be. I agree with them. In this class, I learned some which I never used such as drop off, on the wrong foot and pain in the neck. It is useful for me and the class is great I think.

How do I improve my listening English efficiently? I spent much time in English tapes, dictation or something like that, but it seems not take effect. I 'm very depressed. Maybe my practice is not enough and I know it is difficult to be better quickly, but I really want to find an efficient way.

A Chinese Dynasty that I Most Admired I come from China and like the particular Chinese history. The Chinese dynasty that I most admired is Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period which was a colorful age before Chin Dynasty and which is often called the Big Golden Period by many historians. Almost all of precious philosophy originated from this period such as Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism, Mohism, etc. I am always excited as soon as I think of the scene of Contention of A Hundred Schools of Thought. That was a passionate era in which Chinese people were full of creative thoughts and uncomparable courage. In my view, the most important point that could be used to evaluate any epoch should be the valuable philosophical thoughts that this period can bring to its descendants, even to all humans. All sorts of these ideas emerged in Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period that made tremendous effects to later China and made Chinese Chinese. Every following dynasty including Chin Dynasty, Han Dynasty, Tang Dynasty and Sung Dynasty even today cannot jump out of the hedge, although they could also bring to the world huge contributions. The most percious asset for humans is their particular thoughts which could also be the reason of culture forming, custom, languages, rules and so on in different races. So, the most admired dynasty for me in China is the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, and I willing to spend my time to do some researches about it.

First notebook entry: Introducing myself My name is William and I come from Xi'an in Shaanxi province, China. So far, English is the most widely used language in the world, so I can get more information about the world if my English is better. I wish to make friends and improve my English skills here, especially in speaking English. I am looking for a language partner willing to help me. In exchange, I am very happy to help my friends practice Chinese, and even the Shaanxi dialect if they want. I am also pleased to introduce my hometown and other information about Xi'an to everyone, which was called Chang-an ---- a great city name in world history. I have many hobbies such as seeking mysterious events, Chinese astrology, playing basketball and so on. But the fascinating thing that I most concerned is Traditional Chinese Medical. Acupuncture, herb medicine, chi kung and so on, which are known as alternative methods by modern medicine, are amazing and can bear fruit to even bad diseases. So, if you want to hear something ---- although my major in school was physics ---- seemingly bizarre but did exists, at least I believe that, please make friends with me. Besides, I want to know something interesting about your story that I never heard about also. I hope we can help each other and make progress reciprocally.