Albert Selmer,a German businessman who speaks good English,was surprised during his latest trip to Beijing.When he got into a taxi,the driver greeted him and asked where he would like to go--in Englash!"This couldn't be imagined eight years ago when I first visited Beijing,"said Selmer.He couldn't be so surprised when he knew so many people were learning English in this city. Beijing failed in its bid for the 2000 Games.One of the reasons was that foreigners found it hard to communicate with Beijing citizens .Most of them spoke only Chinese.Today the city is working to improve communication. One great change has happened during Beijing's preparations .Now Beijing citizens are lokking forward to the 2008 Games by actively learning English.Free classes offered in a number of Beijing communities are enjoying high attendance .Citizens are taught useful expressions,meetings,how to give directions and how to introduce thenselves. Shop assistants,bus and taxi drivers and even policemen are learning English to welcome the 2008 Olympic Games .The young taxi driver who surprised the German visitor is probable one of those The first stage aim of the "Beijing Citizens' English Speaking Plan" started by the city government in August,2002,is to popularize English among the government staff,taxi drivers,hotel staff and shop assistant.In five years the peicentage of Beijing citizens who can speak Englash will be raised to around 30 percent from 15 percent now.