If you are looking to study an English course or just improve your English, here are 10 handy hints to help you along the way!
Speak it Whenever You Can
It can be intimidating to have to speak the language you are learning, especially if you do not feel confident. But by speaking, you will be learning it even faster. In and outside of class, speak with students who are from other countries and always try to converse in English – especially in class! Plus, with your class friends, you can meet up and give each other work, swap knowledge and help each other progress. This is a great way of continuing your learning outside of the classroom.
Don’t Apologise
Don’t feel like you need to apologise for not knowing what a word means. It’s better to say that you are learning English and ask for repetition or slower talking to the person you are with.
Remember Mistakes
Yes, you will make mistakes, there’s no denying that. You’ll probably make the same mistakes many times. Next time that you’re corrected by a teacher, whether this is written or orally, you should make a note of your mistakes. Maybe you forgot to use the correct word or you get confused about past and present tense? Make a note of it and try to remember it for the future – you will get there!
It Takes Time
Even if learning a language is tough, do not give up. All good things take time and practice. Lots of practice!
Label Things!
This may sound silly – but it is an easy and cheap way to help you expand your vocabulary for everyday words! All you need is to buy labels or a label maker and then write the names of different items on the labels such as, phone, window, toothpaste etc. Everytime you see these items with the word, they will embed themselves in your memory. Visual associations are a powerful thing!
Change The Language on Social Media
This might sound very challenging, but you will be surprised how easily you will navigate around even without Facebook being in your native language. If you turn your Facebook, Twitter and smartphone settings to English then you can be communicating in English, even with your friends! Next time you’re on Instagram, you can find @exploreenglishau and send us a selfie of you learning new words!
Set Goals
Set yourself weekly fun goals. If you are studying an English course, set yourself goals to finish a quiz in record time or to tell your class a new word you have learnt. Or, you can even have fun goals at home, like reaching a new level in an English game on your phone or reading the first paragraph in a newspaper.
Watch Lots of TV! (YAY!)
Now thats fun homework! If you’re learning the language at any level (from beginner to upper intermediate) then it’s worth putting the English subtitles on so that you can read along and listen at the same time. You can also listen to the radio when you are driving around (or on the Internet) or even have english subtitles on the shows you normally watch from your home country!
Write Every Day
Writing is an excellent way to get a new language into your head! Try to write something down everyday, whether it is new words you have learnt or sentences. Even if it is not very much, it is important to get into the habit of doing it. You can even bring your writing into your Explore English class to share with your peers or to get some feedback from your teacher.
Learn When You’re At Your Best
Are you a morning or night person? If you can work out when your brain is at its sharpest then you should cram in your language learning at this time. Some people might be most alert and sharp first thing in the morning but then completely switch off in the afternoon….while for others it might take them a while to get going in the day. Workout what suits your personality best and study accordingly, to ensure you don’t lose concentration.
These tips will help you learn English faster and better than doing nothing. You will be surprised just how fast you pick up the language after you follow these tips.