10 Tips for English Learners

 

Learning English would require some effort, especially if you are not a native speaker or live in a non-English-speaking country. To an extent, most primary English speakers (those who speak English as their first language) such as the Americans and Britons still learn today how to speak, read or write in English. This is because like every other language, English requires learning. Therefore, if you are an English learner, you should be eager to see below the 10 tips for learning English.

Tips for English Learners

1.       Read English materials

Reading is essential for any language acquisition. Sadly, most learners are lazy readers. You must develop an interest in reading if you want to learn English. This means you have to read books that are written in English like novels, and magazines, among others. By doing this, you will get familiar with English words, phrases, and sentences that will help your speaking skills. So, grab any English book today and read it closely. You can download some for free at PDF Drive or visit any library next to you.

2.    Listen to a variety of English Speakers

Listening is a language skill you can employ to learn English. Actively listen to a variety of English speakers more often through radio, podcasts, or any channel of your choice. Pay close attention to how English words are being pronounced and used; the more you listen closely, the more your vocabulary will improve, and this will greatly rub off on your use of English in communicating.

3.       Write in English every day

Writing is the last process of language acquisition. You see, it is not enough to learn to speak English; you need to know how to write it down. Write in English as much as you can. Whenever you are chatting with your friends online, write in English. Whenever you want to get your thoughts down, write in English. Writing in English will help build your level of proficiency in English.

4.    Take Online English Lessons

With the help of the internet, you can take online courses in English. The good news is that most of them are available for free. A quick search on google will show you websites to access them. You can also check popular platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Alison for English courses that are available for free or even enroll for paid ones that are affordable.

5.       Speak in English to others

There is no point in listening to a language if you would not speak it. Don’t shy away from speaking English in public. Speaking it, no matter how poor or good you are at it, will not only improve your speaking skills - it will also improve your confidence. So, at every opportunity you get, practise what you have listened to in English. You can do this whenever you are in a conversation with someone or find a practice partner.

6.       Watch English TV series

Watching English TV series such as Stranger Things, Sherlock, and Killing Eve, among others, would help improve your vocabulary. This tip is particularly suitable for you if you don’t enjoy listening to radio or podcasts as it will be more enjoyable. You will learn from them and also be entertained. You have to, however, make sure to watch the ones with English subtitles.

7.       Use the social media

You can leverage social media to learn English. Most people spend a lot of time on social media nowadays, including English speakers. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have made it easy for you to connect with them. So, you should consider joining English groups on Facebook and following English scholars and media on Instagram and Twitter.

8.       Visit English-speaking countries

Pay a visit to English-speaking countries where English is the primary language if you have the means. You can include the United Kingdom and the United States on your list. Spending time around native speakers would greatly help you to gain real-life experience in speaking English. 

9.       Write down new words

You need a diary for this tip. When you come across new words, you have to make sure to write them down with their meanings. Keep a collection of all your new words and use them when writing and speaking in English. You will be surprised at how many English words you will be learning every day when you follow this tip.

10.   Play word games

Word games like Crossword, Hangman, and Scrabble are interesting ways to learn English. These games will help you to learn new words and use them as you play. 

© Samuel Sodunke