Ten Golden Rules for Learning English
- Set yourself realistic goals. You are not going to become perfect overnight and there is no magic wand. However, if you work hard, you will achieve your goals. For example, try to learn a few new words or sentence structures every day.
- Study regularly. To learn anything, you must be committed. Even if you don’t study every day, you should endeavor to study several times a week. The harder you work at something, the more progress you will make.
- English is everywhere, so use as many different sources as possible. Studying is not just filling in textbooks. Other useful resources include films, television, music, radio programs, newspapers, magazines, websites, exhibitions, books, comics and many, many more! Use a verity of resources to expose yourself to a variety of different types of writing.
- If you have to use a particular style of English study it first. For example, if you need to write a book review, collect as many examples of this type of writing before you being to write. Look at the style and think about what you could use for you own writing.
- Read widely and read well. Don’t just read the same material all the time, no matter how much you enjoy it. Never be afraid to try something new, you might find something you enjoy and a range of different texts and genres improve your writing.
- Read before you write. You can’t expect to be a good writer if you don’t look at other people’s work. This is as true for native speakers as it is for English learners. Reading helps you pick up a whole range of tips and skills you can apply to your own work.
- Be supportive of other learners. It may be frustrating to have a weak student in the class but remember, you were once a beginner too. It can be very helpful to your own learning if you are able to explain ideas to weaker students and help them out.
- Develop a routine. Try to make yourself a timetable and get into a regular habit of reading, studying and attending classes. It prepares your brain for new information and it makes it easier to remember things like your homework.
- When in doubt, always ask. When you are faced with something you don’t understand don’t keep quiet about it. You don’t have to ask a teacher, maybe a friend, family member or classmate can help you. Remember not to be embarrassed, nobody is perfect and everybody makes mistakes.
- Never give up! It might seem like you have hit a tough spot but never stop studying. Nothing worth doing is always easy. If you persevere, you will continue to progress and you will feel very proud of yourself when you overcome your problem.
Miss A. Fletcher, BA (Hons) and MA, University College London; and Cambridge ESOL, CELTA, Oxford House College, London
