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Showing posts with label 2013 Update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013 Update. Show all posts

Friday, June 18, 2010

The Secrets to Learning English

I see sites that speak about the "secrets" to learning English. There are also stupid sites which speak about these secrets as if magic will help you.

Other sites say that you can learn English without making any efforts. This is FALSE. These people are Snake Oil Salesmen. THERE ARE NO SECRETS to learning English.

All learners must make some effort to get started. Obviously, sites that speak of "effortless English" are simply ridiculous. They are an insult to our common sense. On the other hand, here is some good advice for every learner:

1 - You must be REALLY interested in learning (motivation comes first!). Why do you want to learn English? Identify your motivation. Is it for school, for your job or for understanding another subject in English?

2 - Practice EVERY DAY. **Practice makes perfect.** Use the free online learning sites. There are MANY free sites! My site is only one of many good sites.

3 - Try to meet people who speak English fluently, especially native speakers of English. Try to speak with them. Offer to teach them your language in exchange for English conversation or more formal lessons.

4 - Don't get discouraged. EVERYBODY learns little by little.

5 - Watch movies in English. Read books with a dictionary (online dictionary or a good old book dictionary). Learn the words to your favorite songs in English.

6 - It is MUCH better to spend 15 to 20 minutes EVERY DAY instead of 3 hours once a week.

7 - Write to your friends in English. Write on Facebook or Twitter, etc., in English. Don't worry about your mistakes. Ask for corrections.

8 - Learn new vocabulary. The Real English site always explains vocabulary with text, pictures, and audio. This is the best combination. Reading is also very good for learning new vocabulary.

9 - Never be afraid to speak. And speak out loud when you are learning. This helps you assimilate new sounds. This is why the Real English lessons always include the "Record yourself" button.

10 - Have fun. Learning English is a challenge, but it's exciting. Real English was made to HELP you have fun, but it is not a "magic bullet".