how to improve your english skills
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its crucial for learning englishTRANSCRIPT
How to improve your English skills
Our most important piece of advice is: "Do something (anything).
If you don't do anything, you won't get anywhere.
Make it your hobby, not a chore.
Above all have fun!
Oh, and don't be in too much of a hurry. You're setting off on a long journey
and there will be delays and frustrations along the way. Sometimes you'll be in
the fast lane and other times you'll be stuck in traffic, but there will also be lots
of interesting things and interesting people along the way. Take your time to
really enjoy the experience.
There are many ways to improve your level of English, but only you can find
the right way for you. Here are a few tips that might help:-
Improve your Learning Skills
Learning is a skill and it can be improved.
Your path to learning effectively is through knowing
yourself
your capacity to learn
processes you have successfully used in the past
your interest, and knowledge of what you wish to learn
Motivate yourself
If you are not motivated to learn English you will become frustrated and give
up. Ask yourself the following questions, and be honest:-
Why do you need to learn/improve English?
Where will you need to use English?
What skills do you need to learn/improve?
(Reading/Writing/Listening/Speaking)
How soon do you need to see results?
How much time can you afford to devote to learning English.
How much money can you afford to devote to learning English.
Do you have a plan or learning strategy?
Set yourself achievable goals
You know how much time you can dedicate to learning English, but a short
time each day will produce better, longer-term results than a full day on the
weekend and then nothing for two weeks.
Joining a short intensive course could produce better results than joining a
course that takes place once a week for six months.
Here are some goals you could set yourself:-
Join an English course - a virtual one or a real one (and attend
regularly).
Do your homework.
Read a book or a comic every month.
Learn a new word every day.
Visit an English speaking forum every day.
Read a news article on the net every day.
Do 10 minutes listening practice every day.
Watch an English film at least once a month.
Follow a soap, comedy or radio or TV drama .
A good way to meet your goals is to establish a system of rewards and
punishments.
Decide on a reward you will give yourself for fulfilling your goals for a month.
A bottle of your favourite drink
A meal out / or a nice meal at home
A new outfit
A manicure or massage
Understanding how you learn best may also help you.
There are different ways to learn. Find out what kind of learner you are in
order to better understand how to learn more effectively..
The visual learner
Do you need to see your teacher during lessons in order to fully understand
the content of a lesson?
Do you prefer to sit at the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions
(e.g. people's heads)?
Do you think in pictures and learn best from visual displays including:
diagrams, illustrated text books, overhead transparencies, videos, flashcards,
flipcharts and hand-outs?
During a lecture or classroom discussion, do you prefer to take detailed notes
to absorb the information?
!Learning Tip - you may benefit from taking part in traditional English
lessons, but maybe private lessons would be better.
The auditory learner
Do you learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through
and listening to what others have to say?
Do you interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone
of voice, pitch, speed and other nuances?
Does written information have little meaning until you hear it?
!Learning Tip - you may benefit from listening to the radio or listening to
text as you read it. You could try reading text aloud and using a tape
recorder to play it back to yourself.
The Tactile/Kinesthetic learner
Do you learn best through a hands-on approach, actively exploring the
physical world around you?
Do you find it hard to sit still for long periods?
Do you become distracted easily?
!Learning Tip - you may benefit from taking an active part in role plays
or drama activities.
Other English Learning Tips
Travel to an English speaking country:-
England, America, Australia, Canada, South Africa, one of them is only
a few hours away from you.
Specialist holidays are available to improve your English.
Take an English speaking tour or activity holiday.
Spend your time on things that interest you. If you like cooking then buy an
English-language cookbook or find recipes on the net and practise following
the recipes. You'll soon know if you have made a mistake!
Keep something English on you (book, newspaper or magazine, cd or
cassette, set of flashcards) all day and every day, you never know when you
might have 5 spare minutes.
If you are too tired to actively practice just relax and listen to a story in
English, an English pop song or talk radio station.
Get onto Google Plus, Skype, other social networks, or be really adventurous
and start socialising in Virtual Worlds.
Start networking with native speakers / teachers and other learners.
Don't restrict yourself to seeking out native speakers. Think about it, the
likelihood of needing to speak English with non-native speakers is statistically
much higher.
- See more at: http://www.learnenglish.de/improvepage.html#sthash.LaA9ndHW.dpuf
Improve Your English Vocabulary
We have a series of vocabulary pages.
Start by learning practical vocabulary. Learn words that are actually important
to you at work, at home and out and about.
Use stick it notes and label things around your home.
Use self-study vocabulary books, these should include a good dictionary, and
a thesaurus.
Expose yourself to as much English as possible by reading, watching the
TV, films or the news and listening to the radio or music.
Read an English magazine. If you can afford it take out a subscription to a
magazine or newspaper.
Do online exercises. Keep a note of how you did and go back in a few weeks /
months to see how you have improved.
Try to memorize whole sentences, not just individual words. When you have
learnt a word, write about it in context.
Create or play word games. Scrabble, Crossword Puzzles, Hangman,
and Dingthings are all great ways to play with words.
When you know you need to learn a particular word list for a test, start using
the words immediately, use them in context and frequently. See if anyone is
talking about those words online and comment on people's blogs or pages in
Facebook, or on Google Plus.
Review, revise, review. These are my 3 rs. Review your word lists. Revise
the ones you keep getting stuck on. Review the list ... ad infinitum.
No one said it was going to be easy, but unless you are studying to become
an Aerospace engineer, it's not rocket science.
Notebooks
Keep a notebook to help you remember what you've learnt.
Here's a guide to keeping an English notebook.
Vocabulary webs
Build a vocabulary web to organize your vocabulary about certain subjects.
For example your personal life:-
and then extend it:-
and then extend it further...
Try this little gadget too.
Flash cards
Start a flash cards box.
Buy or cut out some cards all the same size.
Draw or cut out some pictures.
Paste the pictures onto one side of the card and write the correct word on the
other side.
Put new words in the front of the box.
Test yourself using either the pictures, the words or both.
If you have forgotten a word bring it to the front of the box.
!On this site:- Use the vocabulary pages to learn new vocabulary
thematically and in context.
!On this site:- You can use my on-line flash cards to practise your
vocabulary.
Singing
Try learning the words to English songs, and even sing along with them. With
friends or in the privacy of your own bathroom.
!On this site:- You can find some karaoke resources and ideas on the learn
English through songs page.
!On the Network: You can find the words to some popular songs on the
English magazine.
- See more at: http://www.learnenglish.de/ImproveEnglish/improvevocabularypage.html#sthash.cZQS3bZ7.dpuf
Improve Your Written English
Write frequently, in a wide range of formal and informal situations.
Get the most out of your dictionary by understanding how to use it correctly .
You can use a good English dictionary to find words, for meaning,
for pronunciation, to check your spelling and to understand explanations.
Copy out short passages of English text from newspapers, magazines or
books.
Try dictation exercises. You can do this online or get friends to read out text
for you to write and then check your writing - concentrate on spelling and
punctuation.
There are many forums on the net, find one about your interests or hobbies.
Observe the niceties of forum use , and apologise if you think you have made
any mistakes.
Use a blog to create a diary about your life. Write it in English and if you have
a thick skin, ask for feedback. Remember blogs are not private, so do not
write anything there which you do not want the whole world to read. I
recommend http://www.blogger.com , it is free and very easy to use.
Be careful about using abbreviations when writing on forums and in
chatrooms, they are fun and quick, but can cause bad habits to form.
If you are using a computer, use an English spell checker (but don't rely on it).
There are spell checkers built in for Google and Firefox browsers.
Check what you've written. Even better, get someone else to proofread what
you've written. Check for spelling, capitalisation and punctuation.
Try to find English speaking pen friends and write to them or, use a
messenger service like MSN, Yahoo, Google or find a chatroom. If you can't
get in touch with native speakers then contact other learners:-
You can find ePals on the Internet!
!On the Network :- Use the Learn English Network Forum pages to practise
your writing.
!On the Network :- Try our proofreading tips.
! Note - If you are going to use forums and chat services, it's as well to brush
up on the niceties - otherwise known as Netiquette.
- See more at: http://www.learnenglish.de/ImproveEnglish/improvewritingpage.html#sthash.wZTnQ47v.dpuf
How to improve your listening skills
Listening plays a huge part in learning any language. The first thing you did as
a child was listen - you couldn't talk, or write or speak, so you listened.
Unfortunately as we grow up a lot of us lose the skill of listening, but like most
things, it is something you can improve on.
The first thing to do is learn to listen actively. Learning a language is a lot like
learning to play a musical instrument. You can listen to music for enjoyment,
but if you want to study the music you have to listen more critically. It's the
same with languages; you need to make a conscious effort to hear not only
the words that someone is saying but, more importantly, pay attention, and try
to understand the complete message behind the words.
Watching films, TV shows or videos is a good start. If you're not sure what
films to watch, look at my recommended films pages.
If you enjoy reading, why not listen to some of your favourite books? Audio
books are available in many different formats, and you can even borrow some
audio books from libraries. If you like the classics you will find many available
to listen to online, for free.
Films and TV shows are scripted, so listening to talk radio or chat shows can
be a bit more challenging. It's all good practise.
!On the Network: Every Tuesday we publish a listening session using
Spreaker. You can listen to the text and read the comments on the Live
Chat page. Previous episodes are archived on YouTube.
!On the Network: You can listen and read on the English magazine. Each
article has text to voice enabled, just click on the button - you can even speed
it up, or slow it down.
!On the Network: Every week Amatsu reads out the News Round Up from
the English magazine.
!On the Network: Amatsu also reads out people's corrected posts from the
lessons on Learn English Online.
!On the Network: We run several voice sessions every week. We use
different platforms, so check the calendar for more details.
!On the Network: Little and often is a good idea, so try our Interesting
Facts pages. Every week we write some interesting facts and there are
accompanying sound files for the most interesting ones.
!On the Network: There is always a bit of light-hearted fun on the Have Fun
with English page. There are new videos or listening files every month.
!On the Network: You can join the forum and once you are a Full Member,
you can ask Lynne to read a short piece of text out loud. Yes, she takes
requests.
Go to some TTS (text to speech) web sites and use their free services. Some
of the results are surprisingly good. We particularly like Acapela TV for their
talking, fluffy bunnies.
Get onto Second Life or Open Sim. Virtual worlds are the one place we've
found where you're pretty much guaranteed a conversation - it's an adult
environment, and you won't always want to listen to the people you meet, but
for every blood sucking vampire who asks if they can bite you, there are at
least ten, nice people who just want to socialise. If you want a list of nice
places to go, just contact us on the forum or look at some of the places we
have already visited (sometimes Sims close, so it's best to ask us).
- See more at: http://www.learnenglish.de/ImproveEnglish/improvelisteningpage.html#sthash.5cdiCX7E.dpuf
Improve Your English Speaking and English Pronunciation
Skills
My first piece of advice is not to get too hung up on trying to sound like a
native speaker. Would you start learning the piano in an attempt to sound like
Mozart? The first rule of speaking English is to learn to speak clearly and
concisely and remember you won't just be speaking to native speakers: There
are roughly 380 million native speakers out there, but as many as a billion
people speak English as a second language, you do the math.
Try to avoid using idioms and slang (I always say learn it, but don't use it). It
might sound clever to say "You're barking up the wrong tree," but if you use it
in the wrong situation, or if the other person simply doesn't understand you,
you'll only look silly when you try to explain what you meant to say, or what it
actually means.
There's also a saying in English "Have you swallowed a dictionary?" It is
applicable to anyone who uses long, complicated words when a shorter word
will do. Short sentences are just as good (if not better) than long rambling
explanations. The value in what you have to say is what you say, not how
clever you look or sound when you say it. So it's a good idea to try to use
simple, clear vocabulary, KISS - keep it short and simple, Here's a fun video
that illustrates what I mean.
English speaking tips
Get over any fear you might have of making mistakes. You will make
mistakes.
Be patient with yourself. Learning any language can be frustrating, but
frustration won't help you, so let it go.
Grasp every opportunity you have to speak with people in English.
Talk to friends who are also learning English. Go out together for coffee and
only speak English to each other!
Read short stories out loud and try to see, say and hear the words to reinforce
your memory. Record yourself and play it back later, how does it sound?
Find English speaking friends:-
You might not be able to find any friendly native speakers where you
live, but If you can't find anyone who'll actually help you, don't worry,
you'll still be able to figure out if they can understand you.
Get onto Second Life. It's the one place I've found where you're
guaranteed a conversation - it's an adult environment, and you won't
always want to talk to the people you meet, but for every blood sucking
vampire who asks if they can bite you, there are at least ten, nice
people who just want to socialise. If you want a list of nice places to go,
just contact me on the forum.
There are several internet based voice chat programmes out
there: iVisit | | MSN Web Messenger | Yahoo! Messenger | Google
Talk | Skype and I'm sure there are lots more.
Look for people with the same interests as you. It's no good asking
everyone you meet to help you with your English, rather develop natural
friendships based on your hobbies etc. Eventually you will make friends
and they will be much more likely to give you correction / guidance.
Join an English club or conversation group. Around the world there are
many English speaking clubs, these clubs aren't just for expats but for
people interested in the English way of life. They can be friendly and
fun. For a list of English clubs click here. Check magazines as well as
your phone book, your local newspaper and your local university. Or if
there isn't one in your area - start one! Place an advertisement in your
newspaper for people interested in starting a group or go to Meetup.
Visit an Irish/English/Australian theme pub or British food shop, you can
usually find one in the larger cities. Often, the waiters and waitresses
come from English-speaking countries, the menu is often in English too!
Once your English is good enough, go shopping in some tourist areas.
You'll find lots of shop assistants speak very good English.
If you can travel to an English speaking country, do it.
Singing
Try singing along to English songs. With friends or in the privacy of your own
bathroom. Lots of the major games consoles have karaoke games nowadays,
like Sing Star on the Playstation.
On the internet :- You can speak to me on Skype or in Second Life (see the
forum calendar for times and dates) - you can also listen to or chat with other
learners and native speakers there, or join one of the many social networking
sites. They are all free, so there are no more excuses.
On the network:- Use the pronunciation pages to improve your
understanding. Use my Voice Thread to practise tongue twisters, introductions
etc.
On this site:- You can find some karaoke resources and ideas on the learn
English through songs page.
On the Network: You can find the words to some popular songs on the
English magazine.
Pronunciation skills
Accents really don't matter any more. You can spend a fortune and waste a lot
of time trying to "get rid of" your accent, time and money that you could spend
learning more English. So, unless you are up for a role in a film, don't worry
about your accent too much. That said, people need to be able to understand
you, so pronunciation and enunciation are important.
Be playful. Mimic famous people, play with the different accents in films etc. I
do a mean John Wayne.
Learn the phonetic alphabet.
List words that have the same sound add to the lists as you learn more words.
For example words that rhyme with me:-
More here
Work on one problem sound at a time. Read slowly concentrating on the
pronunciation of particular words. Record yourself, keep the tape and record
yourself later, have you improved? Don't be shy - ask a friend to listen to the
tape too.
Don't worry about sounding like a native, it is more important to speak clearly
and pleasantly than it is to sound like the Queen of England - Even the Queen
of England doesn't sound like she used to.
The most important thing to think about is can people understand you? If you
have a problem being understood then find someone who speaks English
clearly and try to copy the way they speak. Pay particular attention to speed
and enunciation.
- See more at: http://www.learnenglish.de/ImproveEnglish/improvespeakingpage.html#sthash.N8UQmi0c.dpuf
Improve Your Reading Skills
Make a habit of reading regularly. Read as many English books, newspapers
and magazines as you can get your hands on.
Reading should be fun, so make sure the texts you choose are not too too
difficult for you. If the book or article you are reading is a chore, then find
something easier. Try reading graded books written especially for ESL
learners. Lynne has written a guide on how to choose a book here.
Find an author you like and read all their books. By doing this you will get
used to the style of a particular author and the typical vocabulary and
grammar they use. As you read more of his/her books you will find it easier
and easier.
If you have a local library find out if they stock English books or if they have
bilingual editions of English classics. Or ask them to stock English translations
of books you are already familiar with.
Try reading things more than once. Read something and then read it again a
few weeks/months later. You should find your understanding has improved.
Try to discuss a book you've enjoyed with other people. You can even discuss
books with us on the forum, or there are lots of online book clubs and you can
even write reviews on book selling sites.
Don't try to read "the classics" straight away. Save them for later, start with
contemporary short stories. And don't forget, there are loads of excellent
comics out there too. I actually started learning German by reading Winnie the
Pooh!
!On the Network: Learning Tip - don't try to understand every word. Try to
understand the overall meaning of a sentence or passage.
!On the Network: Learning Tip - don't translate every word- only use a
dictionary if a word keeps appearing in a text and you still don't understand it.
!On the Network: Learning Tip -don't just read a book and then forget about
it; try to analyse it. You can use this reading log to help you.
!On the Network: Use the English Magazine to find some interesting articles,
poems and jokes to read. If there's a word you don't understand double click it
with your mouse and the definition will pop up. There are no more excuses.
!On the Network: Check out our recommended books.
!On the Network: Try some Speed Reading tips to increase your reading
speed.
!On the Network: Every Monday we run a reading session on Skype, There
are no more excuses.
!On the Network: We run an English Book club on Second Life. If you would
like to join us, or have any other ideas / suggestions (clean ones) of what we
could do on Second Life you have to be a member of the forum.
- See more at: http://www.learnenglish.de/ImproveEnglish/improvereadingpage.html#sthash.PkTo5vBF.dpuf
Improve Your English Grammar
If you are confused about a point of grammar, read our grammar pages.
Don't get too hung up on having perfect grammar, but don't think it doesn't
matter either. As I often say, the main point of learning a language is to be
able to communicate, and using the wrong grammar can lead to
misunderstandings, so you do need to get the words in the right order. That
said, learning about a language is different to learning a language. As a child
we learn to communicate without the benefit of grammar books.
Of course you're an adult, and as such you can use grammar books to read
about English grammar and to test your grammar, but once you think you've
learnt something you have to practise it again and again, and in a more
realistic situation than on a blank sheet of paper. Practise forming meaningful
sentences. Make positive statements negative, turn statements into questions,
make active statements passive. Turn past tense sentences into present
tense sentences etc. etc.
Learn the different tenses. Learn by heart a simple example sentence using
each tense.
Do online exercises. Keep a note of how you did and go back in a few
weeks/months to see how you have improved.
!On this site:- Use the grammar pages to learn new grammar and then test
yourself.
But most importantly, try to develop a feeling for English. When you are
speaking with someone you don't have time to go through all the rules in your
head.
- See more at: http://www.learnenglish.de/ImproveEnglish/improvegrammarpage.html#sthash.QaC18EZs.dpuf