Learning English via Cross-Cutting Observations: With Tag Questions and Movies

This paper proposes a method to help ESL learners improve their knowledge of English grammar and broaden their understanding of the English language. One important key feature of the method is careful observation of the independently-taught rules of English grammar from one specific sentence type, which I call “cross-cutting observations”. It encourages ESL learners to see the close relation between aspects of English language learning and the application of different grammar rules, such as the imperative sentence construction, pronoun usage, adverb usage, etc., by highlighting in particular the properties of tag questions in English (e.g., Tom likes sushi, doesn’t he?). Furthermore, this paper provides suggestions as to the potential use of authentic English examples in movies (and also TV dramas) as a rich source of learning and teaching material which typical English textbooks for ESL learners may lack. The paper concludes by encouraging ESL learners desiring to widen their understanding of English forms and usage (specifically as seen from the aspect of tag questions) by tapping into authentic and natural English in movies. Overall, this paper is an attempt to bridge English education, English linguistics and movies as an effective means to engage ESL learners.