How To Learn English!

[racz_jay25]

Here are some tips which may help you to master the English Language!

Speak without Fear

The biggest problem most people face in learning a new language is their own fear. They worry that they won’t say things correctly or that they will look stupid so they don’t talk at all. Don’t do this. The fastest way to learn anything is to do it – again and again until you get it right. Like anything, learning English requires practice. Don’t let a little fear stop you from getting what you want.

Use all of your Resources

Even if you study English at a language school it doesn’t mean you can’t learn outside of class. Using as many different sources, methods and tools as possible, will allow you to learn faster. There are many different ways you can improve your English, so don’t limit yourself to only one or two. The internet is a fantastic resource for virtually anything, but for the language learner it's perfect.

Surround Yourself with English

The absolute best way to learn English is to surround yourself with it. Take notes in English, put English books around your room, listen to English language radio broadcasts, watch English news, movies and television. Speak English with your friends whenever you can. The more English material that you have around you, the faster you will learn and the more likely it is that you will begin “thinking in English.” .

Listen to Native Speakers as Much as Possible

There are some good English teachers that have had to learn English as a second language before they could teach it. However, there are several reasons why many of the best schools prefer to hire native English speakers. One of the reasons is that native speakers have a natural flow to their speech that students of English should try to imitate. The closer ESL / EFL students can get to this rhythm or flow, the more convincing and comfortable they will become.

Watch English Films and Television

This is not only a fun way to learn but it is also very effective. By watching English films (especially those with English subtitles) you can expand your vocabulary and hear the flow of speech from the actors. If you listen to the news you can also hear different accents.

Listen to English Music

Music can be a very effective method of learning English. In fact, it is often used as a way of improving comprehension. The best way to learn though, is to get the lyrics (words) to the songs you are listening to and try to read them as the artist sings. There are several good internet sites where one can find the words for most songs. This way you can practice your listening and reading at the same time. And if you like to sing, fine.

Study As Often As Possible!

Only by studying things like grammar and vocabulary and doing exercises, can you really improve your knowledge of any language.

Do Exercises and Take Tests

Many people think that exercises and tests aren't much fun. However, by completing exercises and taking tests you can really improve your English. One of the best reasons for doing lots of exercises and tests is that they give you a benchmark to compare your future results with. Often, it is by comparing your score on a test you took yesterday with one you took a month or six months ago that you realize just how much you have learned. If you never test yourself, you will never know how much you are progressing. Start now by doing some of the many exercises and tests on this site, and return in a few days to see what you've learned. Keep doing this and you really will make some progress with English.

Record Yourself

Nobody likes to hear their own voice on tape but like tests, it is good to compare your tapes from time to time. You may be so impressed with the progress you are making that you may not mind the sound of your voice as much.

Listen to English

By this, we mean, speak on the phone or listen to radio broadcasts, audiobooks or CDs in English. This is different than watching the television or films because you can’t see the person that is speaking to you. Many learners of English say that speaking on the phone is one of the most difficult things that they do and the only way to improve is to practice.

Finally

Have fun!

[ctivnan]

I'll definitely use this post to share to my students!!!!

:thankyou:

[cmo]

Nice and good tips/suggestions for those interested in learning English!

:bravo:

[chelsea]

thank you for that information.. can you give me some sites in the internet where in i can practice my English skills? like speaking, writing and pronunciation.. :thanks:

[aiepro]

In addition, once you start building your confidence, it will be easier and faster to learn. Most learners fear speaking English with others because they don't want to be ridiculed or criticized. But once you overcome that fear, you will be well on your way to speaking English well.

[dorinnaliz]

This one is really nice thanks for sharing.

[racz_jay25]

This one is really nice thanks for sharing.

you're welcome!!!

[rachel_012278]

its really a great help to me!..im very conscious and afraid to speak english.

[rachel_012278]

im really having a hard time to learn to speak english!

[q_sharon]

In addition, once you start building your confidence, it will be easier and faster to learn. Most learners fear speaking English with others because they don't want to be ridiculed or criticized. But once you overcome that fear, you will be well on your way to speaking English well.

you are exactly right, aiepro. confidence building is a harbinger to learning English, the easier and faster way. Fear not the criticism and ridicule. We all have to pass that stage while we are on our way to speaking English well, no doubt.:thanks:

[patis]

i got this advice from a guitar magazine about confidence. the writer says if you dont have confidence, fake it. eventually you'll be confident enough. i guess what's good for guitar players must be good for speakers as well. what do you know, maybe it'll work.

[ctivnan]

i got this advice from a guitar magazine about confidence. the writer says if you dont have confidence, fake it. eventually you'll be confident enough. i guess what's good for guitar players must be good for speakers as well. what do you know, maybe it'll work.

That's a good piece of advice, patis! Can I use your guitar story for my students next semester? I think it'll work for me because most of my students are religious and they are into a lot of music.

:Bunny Smiley 6088: :Bunny Smiley 6088:

[patis]

That's a good piece of advice, patis! Can I use your guitar story for my students next semester? I think it'll work for me because most of my students are religious and they are into a lot of music.

:Bunny Smiley 6088: :Bunny Smiley 6088:

yeah, sure. it's not mine, and i would give you the source if i could. have fun!

[lovelinp]

Thanks RACS!

You have a point there!! To others, Don't be afraid if you cant speak or write english FLuently!! That's why there's a saying Practice makes it Perfect! Right?!!!To Racs, I salute YOU!! Keep it up!! MORE POWER!!

[rsveneracionph]

Thank you for this post.
raul, omi

[maanantonio]

:DANCER:
thanks for the post.
I joined this group because i really like to learn the language.
were you guys talking in english language when you get together? im not confident enough to attend thinking you are. :ashamed1:

[ctivnan]

:DANCER:
thanks for the post.
I joined this group because i really like to learn the language.
were you guys talking in english language when you get together? im not confident enough to attend thinking you are. :ashamed1:

We do, but you don't need to worry, maanantonio. :LOVE0052: We are not there to judge anybody; all of us are learners. It's just good to have a chance to practice English, so later we can be confident/more confident in the language. :Cat Smiley 6117:

We'll be very happy to have you around in our EBs! We have a Badminton EB this Sunday at Sheridan Badminton Center in Mandaluyong. Hope to see you there! :superhappy:

Here are some helpful links re: badminton EB.

http://english-coffee.com/showthread.php?t=1377&highlight=badminton

http://english-coffee.com/showthread.php?t=1605&highlight=badminton

[lizacancheta]

I strongly agree! may be you can add information on how to build that confidence 'cause we all know it's not that easy to build that confidence right. thanks.

[neyx]

wow! great tips! thank you! your posts are sooooo great! :yey:

[racz_jay25]

wow! great tips! thank you! your posts are sooooo great! :yey:

Thanks neyx...

[roland4u]

yes it really different when you are on at tha actual. So by taking the test you could measure your language ability like the IELTS, TOEFL and others ... it is too expensive but you can assess yourself how fluent are you in terms of speaking, reading and writing

[windowofbattery]

It is really really good tips/suggestions for the one who wants to learn english language. One more question, am from China, usually, i can communicate with anyone who can speak English online like by MSN, QQ Chat Tool,Yahoo ID, Skype etc,but when i talk with them face to face, i cannt speak it fluently, i dont know why? To be honestly, i amnt afraid when i talk with them. Give me one more advise??OK?

[manilaenglis]

The best way to build confidence is to use the language as often as you can. You don't have to worry about getting it right at first but you will eventually need to think about that if you want to improve.

Also, if you're not looking for a job or trying to get into a particular school then I strongly recommend NOT taking the IELTS or any other English language test because they do NOT test your fluency. There are so many people who have scored high on these tests but can't form simple sentences in English or understand a simple conversation at normal speed. Even many of the IELTS, TOEFL, TESOL, and other test promoters don't speak English well. How can you believe these tests actually measure English fluency when the people who promote these tests don't even speak well themselves?

The ONLY reason to take an IELTS or any other kind of English test is to get a job or be accepted at a school that requires it.

The really sad thing is nobody cares. There is so much money to be made in this field that the schools are literally flooded with so called English teachers who are still learning the language themselves. There are thousands of "tutors" who want to help you learn English that don't even form simple sentences properly. Nobody cares. Probably not even the students themselves because they just want to fit in and they think it'll help them get a good job.

Unless you're just looking for a job or want to get into a particular school, my advice is not to waste your money on those tests. If you want to build your confidence, just start talking to people. Your confidence will grow. In addition, keep in mind that 90% of the people you talk to in Asia aren't even speaking correctly themselves so don't worry about what you sound like if you're just starting out.

It's only when you start speaking to native speakers that you realize that we speak a lot differently than everyone else in Asia. Unless it's important for your particular field, don't let it bother you. It's not a big deal. We native speakers are pretty happy that we can just understand you. That's probably why nobody cares about quality and the industry has run rampant with the types of teachers I just described.

But.... if you really want to sound like an American. I mean, you really, deeply, strongly want to improve your English so that you feel like you fit in with Americans, then you need to study with an American teacher. The best thing to do is spend a few years studying in America so that you're immersed in our language and culture 24/7. The next best thing, if you can't do that, is to study with me in the Philippines (http://www.manilaenglish.com). I can bring you to a level no other teacher in the Philippines can.

But, of course, most people aren't interested in actually speaking like an American. This is just some information to keep in mind while you think about your future with the English language. If you're a beginner, just start talking to people. Start by saying hi. Maybe next time you can ask them what they do. After a while it'll be easy. If you decide you want to take it to the next level, just contact me (http://www.manilaenglish.com).

[manilaenglis]

It is really really good tips/suggestions for the one who wants to learn english language. One more question, am from China, usually, i can communicate with anyone who can speak English online like by MSN, QQ Chat Tool,Yahoo ID, Skype etc,but when i talk with them face to face, i cannt speak it fluently, i dont know why? To be honestly, i amnt afraid when i talk with them. Give me one more advise??OK?

Hello windowofbattery,

I sent you a PM (private message) within English Coffee.

[mehj_1513]

who can give me CD's in Learning the english language???i really want and very eager 2 learn somebpdy help me!!!!

[racz_jay25]

who can give me CD's in Learning the english language???i really want and very eager 2 learn somebpdy help me!!!!

I saw a very helpful book with Audio CD. It was bought it in Canada. I don't know if it's available in other countries. It's Grammar in Use Intermediate by Raymond Murphy. There are also self-study reference and practice for students of English. Try logging in at www.cambridge.org to see if its available in your area.

Hope this helps!

[ctivnan]

who can give me CD's in Learning the english language???i really want and very eager 2 learn somebpdy help me!!!!

You can also try Jack Richard's book New Interchange 1 to 3. They all come with a CD. :jumpingangel: Richards uses the holistic approach in his set of books.

[pinoypower]

I can only assure everyone that this post is a very effective way to learn English which I have been using successfully with my children.
All other subjects are easier to learn once mastery of English is achieved specially in the area of comprehension.:happy0088:

[pinoypower]

I saw a very helpful book with Audio CD. It was bought it in Canada. I don't know if it's available in other countries. It's Grammar in Use Intermediate by Raymond Murphy. There are also self-study reference and practice for students of English. Try logging in at www.cambridge.org (http://www.cambridge.org) to see if its available in your area.

Hope this helps!

I have this book but I don't have the audio CD. This book is one of the best self study reference books I've came across with lots of exercises.:HAPPY:

[racz_jay25]

I have this book but I don't have the audio CD. This book is one of the best self study reference books I've came across with lots of exercises.:HAPPY:

Is your book first or second edition? Only the second edition has the audio CD.

[mehj_1513]

racz_jay25 (http://english-coffee.com/member.php?u=203) pls help me nmn to find that book w/ Audio CD, i already search in website you post but nothing avaible here! would u mind give me a copy of yours? if its ok 4 u? u can burn that cd 4 me thnx u very much!!!!GOD BLESS U..

[nerstuff]

Many thanks to you racs_jay25. Great post! I will do that. Actually I copied it and saved to my computer so that I can easily read whenever I want. Hope to hear more......

[tyertyoui]

Good advice, thank you!

[chriztian2]

Here are some tips which may help you to master the English Language!

Speak without Fear

The biggest problem most people face in learning a new language is their own fear. They worry that they won’t say things correctly or that they will look stupid so they don’t talk at all. Don’t do this. The fastest way to learn anything is to do it – again and again until you get it right. Like anything, learning English requires practice. Don’t let a little fear stop you from getting what you want.

Use all of your Resources

Even if you study English at a language school it doesn’t mean you can’t learn outside of class. Using as many different sources, methods and tools as possible, will allow you to learn faster. There are many different ways you can improve your English, so don’t limit yourself to only one or two. The internet is a fantastic resource for virtually anything, but for the language learner it's perfect.

Surround Yourself with English

The absolute best way to learn English is to surround yourself with it. Take notes in English, put English books around your room, listen to English language radio broadcasts, watch English news, movies and television. Speak English with your friends whenever you can. The more English material that you have around you, the faster you will learn and the more likely it is that you will begin “thinking in English.” .

Listen to Native Speakers as Much as Possible

There are some good English teachers that have had to learn English as a second language before they could teach it. However, there are several reasons why many of the best schools prefer to hire native English speakers. One of the reasons is that native speakers have a natural flow to their speech that students of English should try to imitate. The closer ESL / EFL students can get to this rhythm or flow, the more convincing and comfortable they will become.

Watch English Films and Television

This is not only a fun way to learn but it is also very effective. By watching English films (especially those with English subtitles) you can expand your vocabulary and hear the flow of speech from the actors. If you listen to the news you can also hear different accents.

Listen to English Music

Music can be a very effective method of learning English. In fact, it is often used as a way of improving comprehension. The best way to learn though, is to get the lyrics (words) to the songs you are listening to and try to read them as the artist sings. There are several good internet sites where one can find the words for most songs. This way you can practice your listening and reading at the same time. And if you like to sing, fine.

Study As Often As Possible!

Only by studying things like grammar and vocabulary and doing exercises, can you really improve your knowledge of any language.

Do Exercises and Take Tests

Many people think that exercises and tests aren't much fun. However, by completing exercises and taking tests you can really improve your English. One of the best reasons for doing lots of exercises and tests is that they give you a benchmark to compare your future results with. Often, it is by comparing your score on a test you took yesterday with one you took a month or six months ago that you realize just how much you have learned. If you never test yourself, you will never know how much you are progressing. Start now by doing some of the many exercises and tests on this site, and return in a few days to see what you've learned. Keep doing this and you really will make some progress with English.

Record Yourself

Nobody likes to hear their own voice on tape but like tests, it is good to compare your tapes from time to time. You may be so impressed with the progress you are making that you may not mind the sound of your voice as much.

Listen to English

By this, we mean, speak on the phone or listen to radio broadcasts, audiobooks or CDs in English. This is different than watching the television or films because you can’t see the person that is speaking to you. Many learners of English say that speaking on the phone is one of the most difficult things that they do and the only way to improve is to practice.

Finally

Have fun!

thanks for this some important points :smilie3:

[kanisjons]

English is an international language which is spoken all over the world. there are some tips to learn English such as read english books, listen english music, read translation in english, online chat, record your voice, and read more vocabulary.