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Can't speak English fluently? Try THIS instead of regular lessons
Think about the way you typically learn English (classroom, textbook you didn’t choose, studying grammar points or vocabulary, trying to understand context and meaning)
What is the result? We know that even after years of studying this way, it doesn’t lead to a good level of confidence & fluency. You may even get good grades, but can’t hold a conversation with a native. You know your textbook, but it’s difficult to read a newspaper or even social media posts because of native slang and idioms. You can ace a vocabulary test, but when it comes to making full sentences, the cat’s got your tongue.
So let’s talk about a better way. It’s not your fault. It’s just that learning English through regular, traditional lessons is not really the fastest way to become fluent.
First, the environment - did you know it’s important to put yourself in real-life situations where you can observe the way people communicate in English? This is how babies learn! You’re not a baby, you’ve got a head start. If you can’t be in an English-speaking environment, then watch a lot of conversational videos, like in my “Fluent in 15” Conversation course.
Second, the textbook - this is the WORST way to learn a language fluently. I remember my Spanish textbook started us learning a long list of zoo animal names, which by the way I NEVER used in real life in the 20 years since I learned Spanish. The better way to learn, especially at the intermediate level and up, is to find something you’re interested in and learn about it in English. For example, I like to cook, so I learn a lot of Spanish by watching cooking shows on TV and social media.
Third, studying to learn grammar & vocabulary - it’s only preparing you to please your teacher and an antiquated education system, and not real life. So if you want to learn English for real life, you need to put yourself in real-life situations. I keep saying this, so let’s dive into how to do this.
Think of 3-5 things that are interesting to you. Not what your teacher wants you to learn, but something that you would learn about for fun. Cars? Music? Animals? Current events?
Now, for improving your fluency, you need to have INPUT and a chance to create OUTPUT. What does this mean? Well, you need a way to read and a way to listen about this topic. So for example, a video or podcast or music and a book, magazine, blog, newspaper online, etc. Output means you are creating! For example, write a social media post (short and sweet) or a blog post, or a Quora answer or Reddit. Speak by practicing alone & recording or actually make friends who speak English and enjoy the same topics - attend a meetup group, or go to a class on the topic, for example.
Of course in this way you are going to be consuming content meant for NATIVE speakers, called AUTHENTIC content, not specifically created for ESL. So, you may see and hear new words you don’t know yet. That’s ok, it happens to native speakers too! Just stay calm and try to learn as you go. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can improve your knowledge of the language this way.
Can you think of a topic you’re interested in, and ways to explore it using the 4 English language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking)?
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About Go Natural English:
In regular English classes, you learn English grammar and English vocabulary, and in our English speaking lessons, you'll learn English the Go Natural English way - with advice to help you speak English like a native, with real English conversation and listening practice. Here you'll finally learn American English with a focus on English speaking skills. Unlock the English speaking world and finally understand English conversation. Learn how to speak English fluently with our English speaking course!
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