How To Improve Your English

I bumped into a print-out dated Oct. 1, 2001, in which is the following article. Can't believe it is available online! The website is worth visiting.

http://esl.about.com/od/englishlearningresources/ht/how_to_improve_english.htm

How To Improve Your English

By                      Kenneth Beare

Learning English (or any language for that matter) is a process. You are continually improving your English and the following "How to" describes a strategy to make sure that you continue to improve effectively. The most important thing to do is to create a plan and follow that plan. Start with your English learning goals, and then make a specific plan to succeed. Patience is key to improving your English, so go slowly and focus on your goals. You'll speak English well soon if you keep to the plan.

Here's How:

1.Remember that learning a language is a gradual process - it does not happen overnight.

My comments: The 10,000-hour rule!

2.Define your learning objectives early: What do you want to learn and why?

My comments: Learning with a purpose makes one want to keep learning.

3.Make learning a habit. Try to learn something every day. It is much better to study (or read, or listen to English news, etc.) 10 minutes each day than to study for 2 hours once a week.

4.Remember to make learning a habit! If you study each day for 10 minutes English will be constantly in your head. If you study once a week, English will not be as present in your mind.

5.Choose your materials well. You will need reading, grammar, writing, speaking and listening materials

6.Vary your learning routine. It is best to do different things each day to help keep the various relationships between each area active. In other words, don't just study grammar.

7.Find friends to study and speak with. Learning English together can be very encouraging.

8.Choose listening and reading materials that relate to what you are interested in. Being interested in the subject will make learning more enjoyable - thus more effective.

9.Relate grammar to practical usage. Grammar by itself does not help you USE the language. You should practice what you are learning by employing it actively.

My comments: This was what I used to do when teaching grammar. Students have to experience the function of any grammatical form.

10.Move your mouth! Understanding something doesn't mean the muscles of your mouth can produce the sounds. Practice speaking what you are learning aloud. It may seem strange, but it is very effective.

11.Be patient with yourself. Remember learning is a process - speaking a language well takes time. It is not a computer that is either on or off!

12.Communicate! There is nothing like communicating in English and being successful. Grammar exercises are good - having your friend on the other side of the world understand your email is fantastic!

13.Use the Internet. The Internet is the most exciting, unlimited English resource that anyone could imagine and it is right at your finger tips.

 

Tips:

1.Remember that English learning is a process

2.Be patient with yourself

3.Practice, practice, practice