Do you have difficulties learning English? Are you telling yourself “If I could learn English better, I could do so much more”? If you are answering yes to these questions, I am sure you are wondering how you can do this. In this article, I would like to explain some problems that many English learners face and ways to improve your English that are simple and fun at the same time.
Problems in learning English
– Poor English vocabulary
Vocabulary is important when learning a language. Any language, including English of course, has thousands and thousands of words. In many cases, even those native speakers of the language do not know all the words of that language. there are too many to learn. In fact, according to many sources I’ve come across, there are only 800 words you need to know to converse in English. That list is too long to show here, but a good start is to read that list and see how many words you know. You may be surprised at how many words you are familiar with. I have posted the list on World English club, and you can check it there. Another problem that people face when learning English vocabulary is that they learn new words, but they tend to forget what they have learned soon after learning it. So what can you do?
– How to improve your English vocabulary
There are games to play and methods to learn to improve your English vocabulary. The best simple method I want to suggest is this; just make a list. Now there’s more to list, so read on. Once a week, make a list of twenty-five words using the World English Club Vocabulary lists, or choose words from other popular websites. As you compile (or make) your list, be sure to write down the definitions if you’re not sure about them at the time. Do your best to study and learn these new words. Now divide the list into five words per day. On your first day, study your first five words. On your second day, study your next five words. Now here’s the trick; After your second day of your five vocabulary words, try to write down the words from yesterday. On your third day, study the words from day three and then try to remember and write the vocabulary words from day two. Do you see a pattern yet? I hope so. Do this for five days, and on your sixth day of vocabulary learning, try to write down all the vocabulary words from the last week. Take your time and do the best you can. When you’re done, review those words and see what you remember. If you use the above method, I guarantee that you will improve your English vocabulary and you will not forget the words you have learned.
– Poor English speaking skills
One of the biggest complaints I hear when learning a new language is their inability to communicate successfully. Whether it’s a problem reducing your accent or not knowing the vocabulary or grammar to create a decent conversation, many people struggle with poor speaking skills. People assume that learning grammar in a classroom or studying vocabulary words will help them speak English as a language. But those factors only give you English language knowledge and cannot translate into real English conversation skills. Do you have trouble with English speaking skills? Here are ways to improve your English speaking skills.
– How to improve your English speaking skills
Have you tried watching a movie in English? I’m sure you have. It is one of the easiest things to do while studying and learning English. But what is it about watching movies that is a good idea? I’ll tell you; is hearing the words spoken aloud. So there’s one thing I’m sure you haven’t thought of to reflect this learning effect, but it will make a bigger and better improvement in learning English speaking skills. Read a book. Well, it doesn’t have to be a book, but it has to be in English. Now here’s the trick; As you read this book, read it ALOUD. Yes, it’s as simple as that. Reading aloud will allow you to hear your English and at the same time help you gain more confidence in speaking English. It doesn’t have to be for long. But you should read aloud for at least five minutes a day. Don’t give up on this. I think this is an important method to practice and not enough people practice this way. Be sure to pronounce your words, and if you have to read slowly, that’s fine too. The point is that you are speaking out loud and practicing speaking English. Since many English learners do not have the opportunity to interact with native English speakers, this is one of the best methods to help you improve your English speaking skills. Which brings me to my last English learning problem.
– Not enough interaction with English speakers
Not being able to interact with native English speakers can be a huge handicap for someone learning English. But there are many things you can do to help improve your interaction with native English speakers, or at least simulate this experience. Which, let’s face it, is probably the most important part of learning a new language. Interaction. So here are some things you can do.
– As everyone knows, watching movies is a good idea. You can learn slang words, and if you’re interested in learning how to speak like an American, there are many colloquialisms and Americanisms (as I like to call them) that are hard to learn just by reading. To learn colloquialisms, a person must hear the words and phrases in context. So when watching movies, there can be no way that you as a student could confuse or misinterpret the meaning of words or phrases.
– One way (and I think this is the best way) that many English learners don’t think of is to find a native English speaker in a chat room or English learning website and chat with them via Skype or another service voice over the Internet. There are many people who would love to talk to you on the phone or online to help you learn. Or maybe you can offer to teach them a bit of your language in return. That way everyone gains something from the experience. If you’re in a country or city where you don’t have the chance to find a native English-speaking friend, chatting on the phone or the Internet is the next best option.
– If you’re lucky enough to meet an English speaker you can meet (and it should be someone you’re comfortable with so you’re not shy while trying to talk), try to meet them in a comfortable place where you can hear a few to others and spend about an hour talking about whatever topic comes to mind. You can also plan some topics to talk about so you don’t waste time thinking of things to say. maybe write down questions you have or have them ask YOU questions so you can practice answering them.
There are many other problems in learning English, but I think these are the three main reasons. I guarantee that if you know these pitfalls and know how to avoid them, every aspect of your English learning will improve. And you’ll be a native English speaker in no time. Good luck!