How to learn English more effectively?
1. Read anything you are interested in
Crime stories, Harry Potter, paperbacks, newspapers, websites, emails, your social media feed, online magazines, chocolate boxes: if it’s in English, read it. Why? Well, this content will be full of juicy new vocabulary, as well as a fair amount you already know. This helps you improve quickly, as re-exposure to learned vocabulary gives you new examples in context, therefore reinforcing those words in your mind.
If you learn business English you should definitely check out The Economist for professional vocabulary.
You don’t need to understand everything. Don’t be scared and don’t start jotting down each and every new word. Just enjoy that you can understand the message of the text in a foreign language.
Use your social sites to be continuously exposed to English content. And make sure you click on them and read them!
2. Write down new vocabulary
This tip is a classic one for good reason: it works! When learning, we often enjoy a new word of phrase so much that forgetting it seems impossible. But trust us, not everything sticks the first time. To fight this, get into the habit of carrying around a funky notebook or using a tool like EVERNOTE/Quizlet (you can download it onto your mobile). And here comes the most important thing: whenever you hear or read a new word or expression, write it down in context: that is, in a sentence and with its meaning noted. It is paramount if you want to learn the expressions since we tend to remember things a lot easier and quicker if you can attach it to a situation.
3. Watch and subscribe to youtube
Like fashion? Business? Blogging? Gastronomy? With topics covering every interest imaginable, there’s an English-speaking podcast, facebook live of your favourite celebrity or motivator, TEDx video or other Youtube channel out there for you. Subscribe to a few and listen while driving or watch during the commute to school or work. At first, you might find the native accents difficult, but stick with it and you’ll soon start to understand what you hear.
Start watching the news in English every day, for example on BBC You will be surprised how much more you will understand after a week!
4. Talk with foreigners
What is a language for if not to communicate? Sure, we have become experts at communicating without even uttering a single word! How? In the word of Whatsapp! Viber and other mobile apps – it is more than easy! But we all knaw that speaking a language helps it stick in your head far better than only reading or writing it. Just think of how many times you’ve heard people say that they “understand, but can’t speak English.” A lot of would-be English speakers have turned talking into a huge barrier that only serves to scare them off. Don’t be like that. Seek out native speakers for an informal language exchange, enroll in a course, go clubbing with your friends to any of the ruin pubs of Kazinczy or Király street. You will surely bump into foreigners who are after some local experience. And that is you!
5. Stay focused
Your English studies are likely to go far more quickly if you constantly remind yourself of your motives for learning. Are you going on a scholarship? Then, focus on vocabulary related to your studies. Have an overseas conference? Brush up on conversation starters to use with the other participants. Going on a business trip? Looks like travel and tourism vocabulary will be your guide. If you simply launch into learning English hoping to magically learn anything and everything at once, you’re likely to end up confused and burned out. Set a goal, prepare a schedule and stick with it!