How to Improve Your English - Advice for Learners
Learners often ask how they can improve certain areas
of their English. Here are some ideas.
How to Improve Your Speaking
How to Improve Your Pronunciation
How to Improve Your Vocabulary
How to Improve Your Speaking
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If you are in a school or workplace with people of different
nationalities, try to make friends with those who speak other
languages. Many people find it difficult or embarrassing to
speak English with others who speak their language, but if your friends don't speak your language you have to speak English!
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If you know any English native-speakers, talk to them whenever you can. You can start conversations by
asking them questions. Then they will answer and perhaps ask
you questions too. Then you are having a conversation! Or perhaps you could do an exchange - an hour speaking English followed by an hour speaking your language so they can practise that.
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If you are in an English-speaking country, are there any clubs or evening classes you could
join? What are you interested in? Ask somebody at your
school or workplace to help you. It's a great way of meeting people with
the same interests and practising your English too.
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Speaking practice is very important but it's also important to know enough of the language to be able to express yourself. Try to watch English language films or TV programmes. Write down expressions that people use in conversations
or certain situations.
Notice how they say them (pronunciation, other words used)? What is the relationship between the people talking and what is the reaction
of other people when these expressions are used.
This will help you to know how formal/informal and polite/impolite it is.
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Speak on the web! You need a computer with a microphone and internet access. Go to one of these sites to practise your speaking:
How to Improve your
Pronunciation
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When you are in your country with your friends do
you ever imitate how English people speak your language? (I'm sure
you do!). Try imitating English people when you speak English
too. Notice what the differences are in your pronunciation.
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Find a book that has a cassette with it. Read
and listen at the same time. Notice any interesting
pronunciation. Now do it again but this time try to read it
aloud yourself at the same time as the recording. You can do this on the internet too. Try this site from the BBC Worldservice.
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When you are in your English class ask your teacher
to repeat words or sentences if the pronunciation is difficult.
How to Improve Your Vocabulary
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English has a very big vocabulary so you can't learn
it all. You need to learn words that you think will be useful
for you.
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If you go to English classes listen to the teacher's or other students'
explanations. If you don't understand, ask them to repeat or
explain another way. Don't just look in your dictionary all the
time. The teacher will explain in a more memorable way and if
you are busy with your dictionary, you may miss something important.
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Write down new words you learn . You could
just write a translation, but also try to draw a picture or write a definition in English.It's a good idea to write an example
sentence, and any notes that help you to use the new word.
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Learn a few words everyday and give yourself a test
every week!
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Try to use words you've just learnt.
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Reading and listening will help your vocabulary, but
don't choose anything too difficult. Find a book or CD
that is graded to just a bit higher than your level. You
should know most words but not all. If you try to read or
listen to something that is too difficult you won't understand
enough to be able to guess the meaning of the words you don't know.
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You should be able to find crosswords and other
puzzles for practising vocabulary if you like this sort of thing.
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