Learning English is a skill that opens countless doors for you, from networking to professional opportunities. However, mastering the language involves more than just learning a handful of words or memorising common phrases.
Being fluent in English will let you maximise the benefits you can get from the language. Reaching native-level fluency and knowing how to adapt to different levels of formality will help you fully utilise English as a second language.
Studying English depends on your dominant learning method. Some people are more comfortable with a formal classroom setup, while others prefer using the language in a conversational manner.
Below are three of the most popular ways to learn English. The trick is to figure out which one works best for you.
1. Classroom Method
Learning English through the classroom method doesn’t mean you have to take formal classes. It only means that you’ll tackle English in a structured way – the same way you would in class. You’ll start with grammar rules, spelling and vocabulary then move on to the nuances of the language.
This learning method teaches you the foundation of the language first. Once you’ve got the basics down, it should become easier for you to build on your knowledge and skill, allowing you to upskill from solely understanding English to speaking and writing the language.
The classroom method is one of the best ways to learn English fast if you like structure and order when studying. The structure is also ideal for beginners who have little to zero existing English-speaking skills. Knowing the rules of the language helps you understand it on a native level, since you’re dissecting its components, from grammar and vocabulary to pragmatics.
Below are a few ways to learn English through the classroom method:
- Sign up for an English course. This ensures that you allocate a block of time for studying and learning the language, aiding your retention.
- Find an English tutor. One-on-one language lessons with a highly experienced ESL tutor will fast-track your personal development and proficiency in English. Experienced tutors can adapt their teaching to your specific needs and goals, which simply cannot be achieved in a large classroom setting. The lessons will be taught at a pace that you are comfortable with and you will be provided with immediate feedback on errors made when writing or speaking.
- Get English learning materials, such as textbooks, CDs or audiobooks. It’s a good idea to have one material for different learning subjects, such as grammar and vocabulary. The books not only guide your learning, but they also make it easier for you to spot and correct your mistakes and review past lessons. It also helps to bring an English dictionary with you everywhere.
- Read children’s books in English. These expose you to the language and show you easy examples of how to use English in a more conversational manner.
- Test your current comprehension level by using the quizzes available in the textbooks. You can also look for good resources online, like templated exams or interactive learning websites.
2. Immersion Method
The immersion method is one of the fastest ways to learn English if you already know some of the language. This method involves regularly engaging with the language on a more informal level, which helps you think like a native English speaker.
Unlike the classroom method, the immersion approach is learned best through speaking and listening. The techniques here expose you to more English each day, usually by watching and listening to native speakers or having conversations in English more often.
This learning approach works best for those who live in an English-speaking country, have trouble memorising grammar rules, and learn best through practical activities like speaking and listening.
Here are some English learning tips using the immersion method:
- Consume English media. Watch movies, TV shows and YouTube videos in English. You can turn on the subtitles to better understand what they’re saying. Listening to podcasts and watching interviews also helps. The unscripted conversations expose you to expressions and phrases that native speakers use.
- Read everything you can get your hands on, whether they’re newspapers or the back of food packaging. These materials are full of new words that build your vocabulary. Even if you already know some of the words, learning how to use them in different contexts help enrich your understanding of the language. You can also change the language on your phone to English.
- Speak English whenever you can. Talk to your friends, order food from restaurants and answer your phone in English. It’s better if you’re conversing with a native speaker, since they can correct your mistakes. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you find some rules, words or phrases confusing.
- Join online groups that speak in English. Find groups that share your interests so you can talk about things you love while practicing your English-speaking skills.
3. Combination Method
Combining the classroom and immersion method is the best way to learn English fast. Those who take formal language courses or private English tutoring should supplement their lessons by exposing themselves to real-life English interactions on a daily basis. The informal, unstructured conversations will help with learning English naturally and to grasp the learnings provided in formal language lessons. Further, regular exposure to English in the real-world will provide individuals with the practice and skills to adapt their rigid understanding of grammar rules to real-life interactions, which are more nuanced than the examples provided in textbooks.
The combination approach is the key to reaching native-level fluency, teaching you how to speak and write in the language in various degrees of formality.
To learn English through the combination method, simply follow the tips mentioned above for the classroom and immersion approaches.
Keep in mind that learning is a process and everybody has their own pace. Don’t be too hard on yourself if there are topics, words or rules that are difficult to understand. If you want a guided learning experience, hire a private English tutor who can help you stay on track of your English-speaking goals.
Learning Pathway Designed Around Your English Language Needs
ESL Tutoring Services is Australia’s premier English tutoring service for adults, professionals and corporates. We customise learning experiences according to our client’s needs and goals, helping you reach your desired fluency level.
From general English tutoring to more specialised Business and Corporate English tutoring for adults, we help clients become better at speaking, reading, writing and understanding English.
Contact us today to discuss your needs and how we can help you achieve your English language goals.