Studying any language requires maximum attention and effort from students, and mastering the necessary skills can take years. A well-developed strategy, secrets of psychology and various lifehacks - the secrets of turning difficult moments into understandable and simple way, will help increase efficiency of studying.
Studying English for schoolchildren and students of any age
English has long won the championship on the international Olympus: it is studied all over the world, and its studying methodology is enriched annually. SMAPSE experts have collected the best ideas for language learners:
About myths and excuses
- There is no ideal age for studying
There is an opinion that you need to learn the language in childhood, but, as studies show, English is submissive to all ages and adults learn English quite successfully.
- Is memory the head of everything?
There are no barriers for English learners, and even a bad memory cannot stop a student who is thirsty for knowledge. Beginners learn the most common words - and at first this will be enough (for example, the 25 most common words will be enough to understand 25% of the text).
- The myth of lack of time
Classes do not have to be an hour and a half, the main rule is regularity. The reason for the lack of time is not thorough: spend half an hour daily, and the result will come quickly!
Impressive English Facts
| 85% | International organizations and conferences use English |
| 28% | Book editions published in English |
| 400 million people | Consider it as a native language |
| 700 million people | Speak English as a foreign language |
| 1.5 million words | Contains the Oxford Dictionary: this number makes the language the most extensive and diverse in the world. |
| Every 2 hours in the world | A new word appears in English. |
How to immerse in a language in your own country
- Changing habits
If you change your habits a bit, you can significantly advance in learning the language. The phone interface can be changed to English, and then you can learn new words, interact more with the language.
- Stick it!
Stickers are an indispensable tool for students. Having pasted the apartment and objects in it with names in English (doors, windows, furniture, cabinets), you will perfectly train your memory and expand your dictionary.
- Become an active listener
Listen to and read lyrics from your favourite songs, for example, on the Genius website.
Working with new words
- Expanding opportunities
In the search for a translation of a new word, you can look it up in an online translator or drive it into a picture search. This method will allow you to get a better idea of the meaning of the word, create a visual image, and as a result, the word will be remembered with little or no effort.
- Listen to the pronunciation
It is recommended to listen to the sound of words, because without the correct pronunciation the quality of your dictionary drops sharply. When you find the translation of a new word, be sure to listen to how a native speaker pronounces it.
- Apps are attached
There are many apps that can automatically make a small list of new words on your smartphone and help repeat the words you have already learned.
- For advanced
Those who have advanced in learning are encouraged to switch to English dictionaries that reveal the meanings of words in English.
Educational internet surfing
- Find your favourite sitcom and talk show
A 21st century person has so many opportunities to learn a language - reading, various apps, music! One of the most beloved ways for many is to watch movies and short videos in English. On YouTube, you can definitely find TV shows that you like.
- No limits
To get the most out of your English-speaking travel on a worldwide network, expand your range of interests and formats. Speeches from interesting conferences are a source of a lively diverse language with the use of interesting terms.
- Educational lessons
We must not forget about the video lessons - today, many teachers from around the world create their own blog, conduct exciting classes.
- TV series
An interesting experience will be watching TV shows in English - however, this will already be more difficult. Start with simpler series, gradually increasing your level, and use subtitles and after that try to dive into the pool with your head - turn off the subtitles altogether.
Reading in English
- Advice for basic students
Read stories for children in English, and then go on to short stories of classics of English literature.
- Another option for beginners
Reading comics, vivid illustrations of which will help to understand the plot.
- Reading articles on various topics
This is no less effective way, and the choice before you is unusually wide. For example, you can read Wikipedia: if the articles seem too complicated for you, you can switch to the version with simplified grammar and simpler words.
- English-language online publications
Online publications will become a source of interesting information and will allow you to enjoy the vibrant lively style of talented journalists. You can find a magazine that matches your level of training (The Moscow Times, The Guardian).
- Reading books
Reading books is no less effective tool, but not the easiest, therefore, it is recommended to start with those books whose plot you already know from films or you read them earlier in native language. The combination of reading a book and watching an adaptation is a powerful combo that will authoritatively declare what was better: a book or its adaptation.
Listening to Speech Media
- Listening to media
For beginners, listening to the English language of native speakers can be a real challenge. Don’t be discouraged: at first not understanding most of the podcast is fine! Listen passively, that is, do not try to understand all the nuances: the main task at first is to get used to the rhythm and sound of English speaking. You can start with the classic options - the podcasts of the radios.
- Watch the news
Watching the news is another way to get to know the lively fluent speech. Listen to them in the background, and gradually you will begin to grasp the meaning and get used to the speech.
A few tips to start talking
- Search for loved ones
Find a like-minded person who is ready to regularly engage and communicate in English.
- Language exchange
The network has many sites working on the principle of language exchange: you can practice the language with foreigners and teach their native language in return.
- Speaking club
Talking clubs are often opened in libraries, anticafe, educational institutions, which will give a rich experience in communication and interaction with different people, but in this format it is important to take the initiative and engage in communication.
- Turn to the professionals
Lessons with native teachers remain the most effective way to deliver pronunciation and achieve fluency in speech. You can find a teacher in an online school and study on Skype.
- Get rid of complexes
Be active and start talking as soon as possible, do not focus on the literacy of your speech.
Language immersion
- Relax in English-speaking countries
Choosing an English-speaking country as a vacation destination abroad will be a great way to combine relaxation with good. The choice of countries and the price range is very wide: from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia to Malta, the Philippines, New Zealand.
- Host families
During holidays abroad, stay with host families: this type of accommodation will allow you to better get acquainted with the traditions of the country, give a chance to communicate with the carrier. To find a suitable accommodation option, use the special applications.
- Take language programs at leading linguistic schools
English courses abroad are one of the most effective ways to learn it. Language schools in Europe and the USA invite students from all over the world, with any level of proficiency, at any age, to immerse themselves in the language environment and spend an unforgettable time.
- Education abroad
A great way to immerse yourself in the language environment will be the passage of lengthy programs in foreign schools and universities. Prestigious universities in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia are developing a variety of programs for foreigners, so you can get a Bachelor's degree, Master's program and learn a new profession, or immerse in a foreign academic environment for a semester, making significant progress in learning a language.
Where to learn a language abroad?
| Short courses for adults |
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| Courses for children | |
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