How To Learn English Effectively

Here are some basic ideas for success to help you as you study English.

• STUDY EVERY DAY

It's important to study English every day. However, don't exaggerate! Study for thirty minutes every day instead of two hours once a week. Short, steady practice is much better for learning than long periods on an irregular basis. This habit of studying English every day will help keep English in your brain fresh.

• A LITTLE GRAMMAR, A LITTLE LISTENING, A LITTLE READING, AND A LITTLE WRITING

Next, make sure to study a number of areas rather than focusing on just one topic. Study a little grammar, then do a short listening exercise, then perhaps read an article on the same topic. Don't do too much, twenty minutes on three different types of exercises is plenty!

• REVIEW GRAMMAR AS YOUR WATCH OR READ

Give yourself one grammar goal when reading a new article or watching a new video. For example, try to write down each example of a form you are studying such as the present perfect. Use highlighters (colored pens) with texts to highlight forms that you are studying.

• USE DIFFERENT LEARNING METHODS

Don't just use one way to study English. Use a variety of methods which will help all the parts of your brain help you. For example, if you are learning new vocabulary, create a word map, describe a picture, make a list and study that, type out the words five times. All of these methods together help to reinforce your learning.

• FIND SOME FRIENDS

There is nothing like having a few friends to study English together. You can practice the exercises together, have conversations together (in English!), and, as you study English together, help each other with exercises you may not understand.

• CHOOSE TOPICS THAT INTEREST YOU

One of the most important things to do is to study English using topics that you like. This will help motivate you because you will also be learning about a topic you find interesting while you study English.