Improve English

When we learn our native language:

• First we listen,
• Then we speak
• Then we read
• Finally we write.

Listening, speaking, reading and writing are the four language skills we need to develop for complete communication.

• Listening and reading are receptive: input, i.e. the exposure you have to genuine language in use.
• Speaking and writing are productive: output, i.e. the action of producing language as part of the process of second language learning.

To accomplish these four basic language skills, you need to surround yourself with English: make English part of your life at home, at work and during your free time. Here are some guidelines which will help you improve upon your English.

Listening:

It plays a very important part in learning any language. Effective listening ensures understanding and it helps improve correctness when speaking, among other things. You improve your listening skills by listening actively, i.e. paying attention not only on what is said, but also how it is said. So, listen:

1. To music; the type you prefer, but pay attention to the lyrics. (Sometimes reading the lyrics may help you understand the song)

2. To movies, TV shows, news, entertainments, the radio. If you can watch DVD’s you can watch the movie several times. Watching with subtitles and then, when you feel more comfortable, without them. You can listen to English programmes on radio at home or on your mobile phone. Even if are not actually listening to it, your ears will be getting used to the sounds of the language.

3. Attend plays, exhibitions, talks, etc. in English organized by English speaking schools or communities.

Speaking:

It is often the hardest of the four language skills, but as soon as you can speak a little English there are lots of ways to improve quickly and as well as enjoy it.

1. Join voiced chats. Technology has advanced a lot in terms of social networks so, wherever you live, you’ll find a chat-room to join.

2. Talk and record yourself. This may sound funny, but it will help you realize how you can improve by repeating the recording several times till you feel happy with the results.

3. Talk to your classmates in English when you are not in class. You can even make a group to play games, have a meal or just chat together.

Reading:

It is a process of the brain and it takes time to develop: your mind has to attach meaning to the words, phrases and expressions represented by symbols, also get to understand the grammar and structure of the language used in the passage to read. If you develop strong reading skills, it’ll be very helpful to your future. You can read:

1. Books in English and articles on the web. Try to start with easy books, even children’s books and comics: The images will help you understand even if you don’t know all the words. If you start reading novels or bigger books, start by reading one chapter at a time. Similarly start with reading short articles on the web, and the gradually move on to bigger articles.

2. Switch the operating system of your mobile phone, your PC or tablet into English, associating a function with a certain word, will improve your vocabulary.

Writing:

Even though it may be scary to a lot of people, anyone can get used to writing with a little discipline and a willingness to learn.

1. Write down words or expressions you think useful with their meaning and examples. If you see them in sentences you will remember them better. You can use them if you keep a diary.

2. Write comments in English blogs. At present blogs are websites that resemble journals. Lots of people use them to expose their ideas on a certain topic or to explain things – from how to knit a scarf, to very complicated ones where technical or philosophical topics are dealt with. One common feature of all these blogs is that they are interactive: the readers can make comments or debate the ideas stated in the blog. Even if you are not a blog fan, you may find some that really encourage you to take part.

3. Write with This Amazing App to Improve Your Grammar: Learners don’t practice their writing enough. Doing it right means that you are going to get some natural practice and get feedback on the mistakes you make.

You can do this; you will need to get Grammarly (free and paid version App). This tool works on computers and mobile devices and it shows mistakes you make with your grammar.

All the above mentioned tips can be put to just one thing: PRACTICE, PRACTICE and PRACTICE. Whatever learning style you have, whatever your native language is, the key to gain and master a foreign language is PRACTICE it as much and as often.