9 Simple things English learners can do to thrive

Source: http://www.commonmistakes.blogfa.com/

1- Surround Yourself with English

The absolute best way to learn English is to surround yourself with it.  Take notes in English, put English books around your room. Listen to English language radio broadcasts, watch English news, movies and television.  Speak English with your friends whenever you can. The more English material that you have around you, the faster you will learn and the more likely it is that you will begin “Thinking in English”

2- Listen to Native Speakers as Much as Possible

Native speakers have a natural flow to their speech that students of English should try to imitate.  The closer ESL/EFL students can get to this rhythm or flow, the more convincing and comfortable they will become.  One way to get in touch with native speakers is for example the chat rooms.

3- Watch English Films, TV series and Cartoons

This is not only a fun way to learn but it is also very effective.  By watching English films (especially those with English subtitles available) you can expand your vocabulary and hear the flow of speech from the actors.  If you listen to the news you can also hear different accents.

4- Listen to English Music

Music can be a very effective method of learning English.  In fact, it is often used as a way of improving comprehension.  The best way to learn is to get the lyrics (words) to the songs you are listening to and try to read them as the artist sings.  Then try to sing along with the singer. Start with your favorite English songs. There are several good internet sites where one can find the words for most songs. You can also Google the lyrics e.g. [THE NAME OF YOUR FAVORITE SONG] + lyrics; then press Enter. This way you can practice your listening and reading at the same time.  And if you like to sing, fine!

5- Study As Often As Possible

Only by studying things like grammar and vocabulary and doing exercises, you can really improve your knowledge of any language.  Have as much self-study as possible. This can be one of your leisure activities. Start self-studying with things you like better.

6- Do Exercises and Take Tests

Many people think that exercises and tests aren't much fun.  However, by completing exercises and taking tests you can really improve your English. One of the best reasons for doing lots of exercises and tests is that they give you a benchmark to compare your future results with.  Often, it is by comparing your score on a test you took yesterday with one you took a month or six months ago that you realize just how much you have learned.  If you never test yourself, you will never know how much you are progressing. Keep doing this and you really will make some progress with English.

7- Record Yourself

Nobody likes to hear their own voice on tape but like tests, it is good to compare your tapes from time to time.  Record your voice, and then, listen to it for making a list of your mistakes. Avoid making the same mistakes for the next recording so that your final presentation will be satisfactory. Keep doing this practice until you are fully satisfied with your performance. You may be so impressed with the progress you are making that you may not mind the sound of your voice as much.

8- Listen to English

By this, I mean, speak on the phone or listen to radio broadcasts, audiobooks or CDs in English. This is different than watching the television or films because you can’t see the person that is speaking to you.  Many learners of English say that speaking on the phone is one of the most difficult things that they do and the only way to improve is to practice.

9- Finally

Try to enjoy learning English. Have fun!