In this article, you will find easy steps to follow to learn English. From where to begin and the foundations of learning a language, to helpful tips to get you started and how to stay motivated.
Consistency is the most important factor in learning a new language. But where to begin? The short explanation is to first learn essential words and phrases, and then understand how they work together with grammar. Finally, you combine step one and step two by practicing your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Start with listening, then move on to speaking. And before you begin to write, you need to read. And before you know it, you will be speaking English better than you can imagine. But first – read this blog.
Staying motivated is not easy but having goals will help you practice and progress, and ultimately help you more effectively learn English.
When learning a new language the first goal might be ‘to become fluent’. But the more specific you are, the better. For example:
If you struggle to set your own goals and are looking for someone to guide you, joining an online English school is a great solution. EF English Live offers several online English courses: Business English, TOEFL and TOEIC preparation courses, English for travel and General English. When you join the school, a course consultant will create a personalized learning plan for you. This will include specific goals based on your availability and schedule. You also get access to personalized private classes, and interactive group classes. You also get a learning mentor whose job is to make your learning experience with EF English Live efficient and enjoyable.
It is essential to know what level your English skills are at before you start studying. This is so that you can make sure you are challenging yourself enough to learn new things, but not too much so that you do not feel like you are progressing. To assess your English, you can take the EF Standardised English Test (also known as the EFSET). It is free, internationally recognized, and will help you understand where to start.
Learning a language requires structure and a lot of practice. If you are not planning to learn English with the help of an online English school, ask yourself these questions (and answer them honestly).
What do I want to learn?
How much time do I have to study?
When do I want to meet my goals?
How can I test what I have learned?
Greetings and introductions
Simple small talk and phrases for when you meet someone new:
Common English words
Words used in everyday situations:
Basic question words
Most questions in English begin with one of the following:
Numbers and telling time
Once you feel confident you can move on to:
Practicing your listening comprehension can be done in many ways. One way to approach it is to choose content like films and TV series that you have already watched in your native language, but changing the language to English, or removing the subtitles. When learning from content that is not designed for learning, do not focus on understanding every single word. It is more important to get the context and pick up new vocabulary.
Focused and intentional studying is the most effective kind of learning. This means the content you read should be related to topics you are looking to improve and learn about in English. Begin with simple stories and short texts about subjects you know well, or stories you have read before. Here are a couple of good resources
In 1996 Dr. Edward Fry compiled a list of the most commonly used English words. There are 1,000 words listed in order of frequency. Download all 1,000 words for free here. Here are three ways you can use them to learn English:
Create flash cards to study their meaning and definition.
Once a week, write 10 sentences using at least one Fry Word in each sentence.
Divide the list into groups of 10-20 words. Then have a friend quiz you on the different sections.
These words will teach you a comprehensive vocabulary, that will build a strong base to build your English on.
If you want to learn from the comfort of your own home and on your own terms, an online English school is a flexible and efficient solution that will give you all the steps you need to learn English effectively.
Besides getting guidance from certified teachers whom are both native and bilingual and getting to practice English with learners from all over the world, joining an online English School like EF English Live helps you stay motivated and reach your goals.
According to a study conducted by The American Society of Training and Development (ASTD), you have a 65% chance of reaching a goal if you commit to someone, like an English school. That number increases to 95% if you have a specific appointment, like a private class with a tutor.
A simple yet effective way to improve your vocabulary skills is to label items in your home. Need to turn on the light? Or grab a glass of water? How about open the refrigerator? If you label these things, every time you reach for them, you will be practicing your English.
An effective way to track what you have learned and spot any gaps in your knowledge is to have a notebook dedicated to English. And you can bring it with you wherever you go! On the metro? Repeat your phrases. Waiting for the bus? Quiz yourself on vocabulary. Scrolling on TikTok? Put your phone down and flip through your notes.
Try to speak and listen to English for 10-15 minutes every day. It can feel difficult to find time to learn but incorporating the English language into your everyday routine will help you progress faster. You can call an English-speaking friend during your lunch break narrate your morning walk to work in English or repeat phrases and sentences from a YouTube video. A little practice goes a long way.
This technique will definitively help improve your English skills. Repetition helps solidify new words in your memory. However, repeating them a hundred times in one day is not as effective as spaced repetition. A method where you repeat new vocabulary a few times over a period of several days or weeks.
Use the new phrase immediately.
Then try to recall it in an hour.
Think of it shortly before you go to bed.
Use it again the next day.
Finally, review it in a couple of days after that.
Et voilá – it is stuck in your brain.
On to the next phrase!
Start with repeating simple words and phrases, then begin to create sentences both by speaking and writing and finally. The most important part of learning English is consistency and patience. Create realistic ways to fit English into your everyday life, find people that you can speak with, and set clear goals. Learning a new language is not easy, but it can be life-changing. You have got this!
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