10 top tips for improving your English
It is also a well-known fact that different people react to different learning methods. Sometimes it is not good for you to just sit in the classroom or read a lesson book. It can be advantageous to do additional work.
So if you are keen to improve your English (or any other second language for that matter), then consider some of these handy tips to get you on your way. Not everything will work for you, but, if you add a few of these ideas to your daily language learning, you will certainly see some improvement.
1. Watch TV and movies in English
Not only do Britain and the United States produce some of the best TV shows and movies in the world, but you can learn English while watching them. If you are still getting acquainted with the language at any level (from beginner to upper intermediate), then it is worth putting the English subtitles so that you can read and listen at the same time.
You can also listen to English radio stations and find a lot of listening sources on the Internet. Another idea would be to put English subtitles on movies or TV shows from your own country so you can read with them in English and do the translations as you go.
2. Read English books / newspapers
Reading is a great way to practice your English in your time. You can take one word at a time at your own pace, without your teacher looking over your shoulder. If you are studying at a beginner to intermediate level, take a children's book where the language will be easier than an adult book.
Newspapers are also worth reading. Not only can you improve your English, but you will learn more about local and national things, which can be handy when communicating with native speakers. Free newspapers and magazines, as well as tabloid-style newspapers that use more basic language, may be better for low-level speakers.
3. Label things in your home
This is a quick and cheap way to improve your vocabulary knowledge of everyday items in your home. All you need to do is buy a pack of labels and then write the name of the items in your home on them, such as phone, window, mirror, etc.Every time you use these items, you will read the word and embed it in your memory. It is ideal for low-level learners.
4. Take notes on the new vocabulary
Whenever you learn a new word, whether in class or when you're out and about, be sure to take note of it. Whenever you have free time, you can practice what you have learned. You can even do it on your phone so you don't need to carry a laptop with you.
It is also worth noting the translation into your own language and all the unusual phonological aspects of the word.
5. Surround yourself with English speakers
If you just spend your time outside of the classroom with people from your own country, you’ll miss out on a big chance to practise English. If you try to befriend other English speakers, you’ll be forced into speaking the English language. You’ll also pick up things like slang and conversational English that you’re unlikely to learn in the classroom.
If you struggle to find English speakers, at least try and spend time with people off your course that are from countries other than your own. This way, you will still have to speak English. Or try a 1:1 online lessons with one of our teachers.
6. Find your best time to learn
Are you a morning or afternoon person? If you can work when your brain is at its highest, then you should cram into your language learning right now. Some people work better in the morning and turn off after lunch, while for others, it takes a while to get started every day.
Think about when you work best and plan your learning based on that. For example, there is no need to take lessons that take place late at night when you are likely to easily lose concentration.
7. Listen to British and American music
In addition to watching movies and television, listening to music is another great and fun way to improve your understanding of a language. There is an almost infinite amount of music out there to choose from, with most tracks having lyrics readily available online.
You can listen to one song a day and read the lyrics. If you encounter a language you don't understand, look for it. If you're at a low level, you may want to opt for slower folk, country or acoustic music, which often has slower lyrics that are easier to understand.
Once you feel more confident, you can opt for rap music, which is usually much faster and harder to understand.
8. Swap language
In addition to learning English in class, you might find someone who is willing to learn your own language and exchange information with them. Being able to speak a language is a gift and, whatever your native language, there will be someone out there who wants to learn it.
You can meet and give yourself work, exchange knowledge and help you progress. It's a great way to continue your learning outside the classroom, while saving money.
9. Practice English when you can
It is extremely important that you do not leave your English language in the classroom. Make an effort to go to the library and study your notes, read and write in English, and talk to English and other English nationals.
When you're in bed at night, look at your English notes of the day and try to memorize vocabulary while you fall asleep. The first thing you do in the morning while you're eating your cereal might be to learn some new words. Make sure you never escape learning.
10. Register and your lesson
Make the most of the recorder on your smartphone and pronunciation. It's a good way to learn pronunciation, because you may know it when you hear it for the first time, and then forget about it later.
Although your teacher may not like you doing this, and you should always get their permission, it may be helpful to record lessons. When you go home or fall asleep, you can listen to it. It's a great way to review information and practice listening, as well as nail a pronunciation.
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