Every so often, a student comes up to me and asks me what they can do to improve their English. There are far too many things they can do on their own, without a teacher's assistance. I usually repeat the one I think most effective, and therefore, important: read in English, specially the classics, since they are the best and most reliable source of language.
But today, as I was preparing a list of tips, I decided to post them here. This way, I think we'll save paper, for only those who really mean to read them will print them.
So, here goes.
Dear Student,
Here are some tips on ways to improve your English independently:
1). Try to
make it A MEANS TO AN END - an instrument - rather than an end in itself; especially to do something you love with it. Try a new recipe from the web, find out how to say what you want to that gringo boy/girlfriend, read about that car or motorbike, search for new gadgets for your fishing tackle box, discover the latest fashions, watch that episode of your favourite series before it's on your cable channel.
2).
MAKE IT FUN for yourself: find something relaxing and good to do using your English:
- read books if you like to read them; find one you like, or go for the classics, always a good, reliable source of language.
- read magazines – the one of your preference
- watch movies with the subtitles in English or without subtitles
- listen to music (for music lyrics, google lyrics + name of song/band/singer)
- find someone to chat or exchange e-mails (see pen pals on E-practice)
- play games, do crosswords
3). In the spirit of making it fun, try to feel at ease while using the language, both in and out of class. Students usually know more than they think they do, but tension will interfere with their ability to use what they know. So,
relax, breathe, smile, and SPEAK YOUR MIND...
4). Focus on what YOU KNOW rather than on what you don't. Instead of asking "how do you say... ", try explaining what you mean. This is an invaluable strategy when the aim is to communicate.
5).
USE IT as much as you can:
talk to your classmates in English in and outside the class, while waiting for class to begin; use it when travelling, talk to English-speaking tourists around town/the country;
prepare a presentation to bring to class about something you like or about a hobby of yours, or an experience you’ve had (e.g.: wine drinking: how to choose the right wine; travelling abroad: the best/worst trip of your life, taking photos: the best tips; horse-riding: why do you like it so much)
6). Exercise your curiosity: asking questions in English is an art, with all those inversions, auxiliary verbs... isn't it? Well then, practice makes perfect.
ASK AWAY – ask as many as you can, to whomever is available. Write to international websites; write e-mails to hotels abroad asking for information.
7).
KEEP IN TOUCH with English on a daily basis: the world is at the tips of your fingers now, and it speaks English. There are innumerous things you can find to keep in touch with the language
a). Find a newspaper or magazine website, or a blog, and make a habit of reading a little bit every day.
Most newspapers, both broadsheet and tabloids, have an online version that can be browsed for free. Check out (www.): nytimes.com, thetimes.co.uk, observer.guardian.co.uk, thesun.co.uk, thestar.co.uk.
The same goes for women's magazines, which usually have US (.com) and UK (.co.uk) versions (e.g.: vogue.com, elle.co.uk, marieclaire.co.uk or marieclaire.com cosmopolitan.com or cosmopolitan.co.uk, goodhousekeeping.com) or any other magazine for that matter - sportsillustrated.com, playboy.co.uk, horseandhound.co.uk.
Blogs exist for whatever might tickle your fancy.
My favourites? Here are some: postsecret.blogspot.com (people send their secrets anonimously), justjared.buzznet.com (celeb gossip), ffffound.com (pictures, pictures and more pictures), decor8blog.com (decoration), toofatforfashion.blogspot.com (fashion beyond sample sizes).
Never mind what it is, as long as you can trust it's good English, and YOU LIKE IT!!!
In case you don't know exactly what you are looking for, use search engines (google, yahoo, altavista, askjeeves, etc.) and type in keywords for the subject.
Now if you want your virtual experience to be more directly educational, go to the infallible giants dsc.discovery.com and bbc.co.uk - for a wealth of general knowledge for your enjoyment and maybe help you help your kid, or kid sister/brother with their homework.
Now if you're going for some English self-study online, you can't miss these:
www.culturainglesa.net (for students only, visitors can take a test, and find info)
www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/
www.cambridgeesol.org (Cambridge examinations)
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/homeworkhelp/english/english_homework_help.html
http://www.eslcafe.com/students/
When browsing the web, keep on the look out for interesting podcasts in English, for sources of listening material. Here is one http://www.escribacafe.com/podcast-in-english-no1-the-secret-power-of-the-music/
b). Carry some light reading material in English with you, it makes for much better use of time than reading a page of Caras (the Brazilian version of People magazine) at the doctor's, or for reading your bank statement over and over when in line. There are plenty of graded readers which come with audio CDs. Check out www.sbs.com.br, best possible shop for books in English. I recommend the Macmillan series, very affordable.
c). Instead of reading the shampoo labels, read something in English - keep a magazine in English in your toilet reading box. Every little minute counts.
Well... there you have it: a lot, and yet, not everything to be said about the topic.
I think the most important is that you keep yourself open to learning the language, be positive and persistent.
English IS everywhere, and you already know a lot. Now, use the lot you know to find out about the other lot.
Cheerio for now!!
