How to Learn English Faster
Written by Dr. Mary Dowd
1 How to Study for the TOEIC Speaking Test
2 How to Study for the TOEIC Writing Test
3 Remedial Courses Used to Help Get People Through College
4 How Can I Test My Knowledge of English Grammar?
Learning to speak English as a second language takes patience, determination and most of all -- practice. You can quickly increase your English proficiency by spending a few hours each day learning new vocabulary words, practicing pronunciation, writing short sentences and conversing with fluent English speakers. Although learning a new language as an adult is challenging, it can also be fun and rewarding. Acquiring language skills also helps you adjust to an unfamiliar culture and feel more at home.
Master the Basics
Obtain a book that translates words in your language to English. Focus on learning words and phrases to communicate with people in everyday settings, such as greetings and simple requests. Write important words down on flashcards to quickly build vocabulary; prioritize words related to basic needs, such as food, water and safety -- for example, know what to say on the telephone in an emergency.
Visit your local library and check out language instruction audio recordings or DVDs designed for nonnative English speakers seeking to learn conversational English. Listen to voice recordings to better understand grammar, sentence structure and pronunciation of commonly used words in the English language. Read children's books and newspapers. Watch movies with English subtitles, and listen to music in English. Make a recording of yourself reading short sentences you've written, and ask a bilingual speaker to correct errors.
Rehearse conversational phrases to use when dining out, shopping, asking directions or calling about a bill. Write notes in English to bilingual friends, and ask for their feedback on your writing skills. Ask those same friends to read the notes to you out loud, so you can hear their pronunciation. Speak and think in English as much as possible. Find another person who is also learning to speak English, and practice conversing with one another.
Items you will need
Book with English translations
Language instruction audio recordings or DVDs
One of the fastest ways of learning English is enrolling in free English as Second Language (ESL) classes offered through community education programs found in many cities in the United States. ESL classes are generally flexible, relaxed, self-paced, and offered at convenient times for busy adults.
Cornell University School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions: English Immersion Program: Academic English for Non-Native Speakers
Learn a Language Your Own Way: Acquire Proficiency in a Foreign Language Using Effective and Efficient Self Study Techniques; Michael A. Stelzer
Brookdale Community College: ESL Courses
Adult Options in Education: ESL: English as a Second Language
Oakton Community College: ESL: English as a Second Language - Spring
U.S. Department of State: American English: Materials for Learning English
The Internet TESL Journal: Activities for ESL Students
Purdue University Online Writing Lab: ESL Students
Mary Dowd holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master's degree in counseling and student personnel from Minnesota State University, Mankato. In her 20 years of higher education experience, she has taught classes, served as interim dean of students, and worked in many areas of student affairs, including student discipline, career advising, orientation and violence prevention.
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