Hello lovely students! Do you want to improve your English speaking skills? And do you want to learn English in another way that isn’t just through textbooks? Well then take a look at my tried and tested list of alternative but helpful tips on how to improve English. These fun tips will make English enjoyable even if you have a busy day.
Check them out to learn English quickly and efficiently.
Go to an English-speaking country
This option may seem far-fetched, but honestly, if you have the time and money, immersing yourself in the language you want to learn may be the best trick yet and there are tons of English-speaking countries around the globe.
Do you want to learn English whilst skiing? Head to Canada. What about learning English whilst in a pub? The UK or Ireland are the best options. And what about English by the sea? Then Malta is your best bet.
Honestly, it may be an expensive way to practise English but it will boost your conversational skills dramatically, especially if you are surrounded by people whose native language is English.
Language exchanges
If going abroad is not doable for you, then set up or look for a language exchange group. Find a conversation partner who speaks English well and practise speaking English with them! In return, they will ask you to help them get better at your language, so it is a win-win. They improve their foreign language skills and you improve yours.
You can do anything from talking about your day to telling facts about your own culture. You may even play games from your countries. It is brilliant for speaking practice, which is a valuable skill.
Most cities have a language exchange programme and so do most universities. However, if you are not in any of those, there are plenty of online options. The world really is at your fingertips.
Find your interests
This tip is a no-brainer. Do you like cooking? Then brush up on your cooking vocabulary. What about gardening? Then get to know flowers and trees in English. Learning new vocabulary about something you love is not only enjoyable but extremely rewarding.
Use streaming services
If you have access to streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, why not watch films and series in their original language? You will learn so much more than just words. You’ll understand the delivery of jokes including play on words, cultural references, the tone of voice characters use and what facial expressions they use when speaking.
Watching something in its original language is hard at first, so don’t expect to do it straight away. Depending on your level, start by watching an episode of something in your language with the original language subtitles.
Then progress to watching something in the original language with subtitles in your language. Then slowly, after practising this every night for a few months, watch the episode in the original language with English subtitles.
Test yourself every so often by turning off the subtitles. As time progresses, you’ll be able to watch the whole series and films in English without subtitles.
Do this activity during the time of day when your brain feels the most active.
Keep a journal
Writing skills are often overlooked when practising English. However, they are so important, especially if you want to apply your English grammar and sentence structure knowledge.
Keeping a journal of your day in English is a fun way to practise this and written English usually helps non-native English speakers improve their level.
Listen to podcasts
Are you pretty much busy all day with work or studying? Do you have to travel to get to the office or university? Then try podcasts on the train or bus. There are plenty on Spotify and elsewhere. All you have to do is choose one that suits you and listen. It is such a good way to understand the many different accents in spoken English and improve your listening skills. It’s a relaxing way to learn the language.
Know your voice
Hearing your own voice in a different language is a bit scary and English is no different. So what are some good ways to know your voice in English? A really good way is to practise reading aloud. This will help you get used to your voice. If you’re feeling particularly brave try recording yourself or speaking in a mirror. This will not only help out with your English fluency but it will also help you to gain confidence.
Passive learning
This is a really good trick to know when learning English. A lot of the time when we think about learning a language, we always think about concentrating and using our brains. However, when you learn a language as a toddler, you tend to pick up words that you hear in the background. The same applies to adults learning a second language.
If you have a boring task to do, like cleaning the house or organising paperwork, try putting on a radio show or programme in English in the background but don’t pay much attention to it. You’ll be surprised at how much English vocabulary you learn and how much it improves your listening skills.
Try it and you shall not be disappointed.
Keep track of the news
Keeping up to date with the latest news is always a good thing to do when learning English as it helps you to develop English speaking skills about current events. Native speakers of any language tend to talk about the news daily. whether it’s who won the game or the latest celebrity gossip. It is so useful to know about the world in English conversation.
Learn four words per day
Pretty much everyone now has access to online dictionaries and thesauruses. Improve your vocabulary by picking out four words in either of the sources and remembering them. A good way to do this is by doing it in the morning each day and testing yourself in the evening by using the words correctly either through writing in a journal or by speaking.
By the end of the week, you’ll have 28 words in your English vocabulary. That’s pretty impressive, right?
Do you like the sound of all of that?
Then join an English class with me, Lucy. My online lessons will help you improve your English by focusing on grammar, listening and spoken English skills. There’s even a community you can join to practise those communication skills.
Read more about it here and take a look at the different courses.
Do you not know your level?
No worries, I have you covered. Take the English level test here and watch the video below to help you choose your perfect course. I hope to see you soon!