11.10.2022
Learning English on your own? Techniques to help you
The learning English on your own challenges one is not having your goals a clear plan and understanding. Where to start, what methods to use, where to get materials, what to do as you go along – today we’ll help you create a framework for learning that you can build on your language acquisition at any stage..
5 important tips for everyone
When you are just starting to learn English on your own, you often do not know where to start. A clear plan will help. However, if you already have the language a good command, you may think you know what to do without a plan. Then you run the wasting your time and energy risk. That is why the following tips will be useful to everyone.
1. Plan
Decide why you want to learn the language, how much time you are willing to devote to it each day and how. For example: I want to understand the language so that I can watch English films fluently, I am willing to study for 60 minutes every other day. Next, you need to break down the goal and plan into stages. For example: the first one is to learn to read and learn vocabulary for everyday communication, time is 2 months. Break this plan parts down again into smaller tasks and start implementing them.
2. Listen to
Passive listening is a great option for honing your skills. It does not matter at what level you know the language – it just depends on the text difficulty. Listen to what you like and are close to: it can be background songs and music radio stations in English (good for beginners) or audiobooks and educational channels (for advanced levels).
3. Surround yourself with English
Change the language settings on your gadgets – turn on English Russian instead in all systems: computer, phone, TV. If you keep a diary, make notes in English. If you have recently started to learn the language, but already have a little knowledge, make notes partly in English so that you do not get confused yourself. For advanced learners, you should do this all the time.
4. Be diversity aware
As you study, use tasks different types: listen, speak, learn, read, sing, in the end, if that is what you like. Of course, some method will be more convenient for you, and you will learn faster and easier with it. However, it is variety and an integrated approach that allows you to improve all skills.
5. Enjoy
Learn English on topics that are close to you, unless you have a goal to learn specific topics, e.g., for work. Do you like films? Watching films, reading actors biographies, trying to reproduce scenes from films is your option. Do not like politics – do not watch political programmes. There is no need to study by force, you will quickly discourage any desire to learn..
Recommendations for beginners
Now for some concrete methodological advice to help you learn English on your own, if you are just starting out.
1. Popular vocabulary – above all
Start learning the words and expressions you are most likely to use in everyday communication. Nevertheless, do not leave them lying around as dead weight, but use them constantly in your speech: compose sentences, dialogues and texts.
2. Repetition is the way to success
This is not just about words or grammar rules. Re-read dialogues and texts and take them apart. For repeating words and rules, make up cards so you can repeat the material even on the road. The following are self-study apps a number that offer great options for both individual vocabulary practice and integrated learning.
3. One card, two card
The more you encounter the English language every day, the faster you will learn new words and their use in context. Sign all the items in the house with stickers in English. Go to the fridge and there is a fridge, go to the wardrobe to pick out clothes and there is a wardrobe. It is convenient, unobtrusive and easy to use. Gradually you can add white to the fridge and brown to the wardrobe.
4. Learn from mistakes
It is normal to make mistakes; you are learning, learning new things, mastering unfamiliar constructs, and it is only logical that you will sometimes make mistakes. Do not see them as a tragedy and a need to give up on further learning. Analyse it, draw conclusions, and you will get better and better at it in the future..
Tips for those who are improving
When you have reached a certain level and already understand and speak English well, or even speak it at a high level, you still need to keep improving so that you do not lose the skills you have. Besides, there is no limit to perfection.
5. Watch, read, listen
Do you have favourite films or TV series? Watch them in English so that you are familiar with the plot and can practise listening to English. Over time, move on to films that are new to you. Read books and listen to songs in the same way: from the known to the new. And if your knowledge level is very high, include news from foreign channels, such as the BBC, in your daily routine.
6. Practise all the time
You do not need a special reason to practice. Planning things in your mind for today? Try doing it in English.
Today, I need to get a package and buy groceries for a week. — Сегодня нужно получить посылку и купить продукты на неделю.
Are you in the having mental dialogues habit, replaying situations that have already happened or are only hypothetically possible? Do it in English too.
7. Communicate with native speakers
Yes, this advice is everywhere and seems all too commonplace, but it really is important. The best language practice is with someone whose native language is English or who has it a good command. There are many opportunities for this today: English language groups on social networks, chat rooms on websites and language learning apps. Choose not just any random social networking group, but one that is close to your interests.
8. Use language in the professional field
English is considered an international language for a reason – many professional materials, research papers and quality studies are published in English. With an Upper-Intermediate level or above, you can grow as a specialist in your field, increasing your ability to acquire knowledge from sources a variety.
9. Travel
This is the plan an optional part when learning English on your own, but it is very enjoyable. Not only do you get to see how and what people live in the country you are studying, but you also get to put your knowledge into practice. And that’s often more motivating than other ways.
One last bonus tip: If you feel you cannot do it on your own, do not be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes a little nudge and a few sessions with an experienced teacher are enough to get you back to studying on your own. And someone else, on the contrary, will find that it is with a teacher that they learn more easily..
We hope our article was useful for you. We invite you to take our English courses for adults at our school to start learning English or to improve your knowledge. Take an English level test on our website and sign up for a free trial lesson of English online. With EnglishPapa, you will definitely begin to speak English!
