ENGLISHCOURSESUSA | LEARN ENGLISH IN THE USA
  • ABOUT
  • Get Started
  • Services
    • ARGO
    • COLLEGEY
    • CORT
    • Cturtle
    • ELSA
    • Unilodgers
  • GET SMART

5 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

1/1/2016

 
Picture
As 2016 begins, many people are busy setting New Year’s resolutions for the months ahead. Now is a wonderful time to contemplate new goals—for instance, what can you do to improve your language skills? Rather than set one large goal like, “I will master English,” choose smaller goals that can keep you moving toward your final objective. And if you are not sure where to start, consider these five resolutions: 
1. “I will seek out peer support”
As any language learner quickly realizes, what you encounter in a book or in a classroom, and what you encounter in the “real world,” can be very different. Thus, book learning alone is unlikely to lead to fluency.
A great way to overcome this challenge is to identify a person or a group of people with whom you can practice the practical application of your skills. This peer support can occur in a more formal environment, like a campus language group, or in a less formal environment like a dinner with friends. Aim for a mix of native and non-native speakers who can help you grow your abilities and feel supported in your endeavor. 
2. “I will capitalize on practice opportunities”
The saying “Practice makes perfect,” may be well worn, but it is well worn for a reason—it is true. If you hope to improve your language skills, you will need to apply them often and in various contexts. Think of places where you can practice, like casual public speaking engagements, restaurants, or other creative outlets. Language works differently in different environments, so by varying the areas in which you practice, you may find one that is very effective.
3. “I will embrace writing opportunities”
Like speaking, learning to write in a second language can be challenging. We tend to write differently than we speak, and there are often more rigid rules for writing than there are for speaking. 
If you are an international student, you are likely required to write in your second language on a regular basis, but academic writing is only one type of writing. So, look for other opportunities, especially those that are outside of your comfort zone. For example, if you are confident in your technical writing abilities, set a resolution that you will find a number of opportunities to practice your creative writing in the coming year.
4. “I will expand my vocabulary”
This may seem like an obvious goal (and it may even be one that you are already addressing), but that does not mean that it is not important. A strong command of any language requires a well-developed vocabulary that extends beyond that in textbooks or language apps. Perhaps you decide to set a goal to learn a specific number of new words each month, ideally across multiple contexts. For example, you might spend one month learning 10 new words that are commonly used in your field of study, while next month, you focus on 10 phrases that you might use in a doctor’s office. 
5. “I will improve my use of slang and humor”
It is often said that English is a difficult language to learn, which is in part due to the slang, idioms, and colloquialisms that we use regularly. These aspects of the English tongue can defy the basic rules of the language, effectively confusing non-native speakers. Given this fact, you might set a goal of improving your understanding and use of humor and slang by practicing with native speakers or by watching television series and films.
David White is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world's largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.

Comments are closed.

    EnglishCoursesUSA

    Your one-stop destination for English language programs, tools, products and resources.

    Picture
    Picture
    Top ESL Blog Site Badge

    Archives

    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

EnglishCoursesUSA.com

Do you want to learn English ?

Connect & Apply to  English language programs, secondary schools, universities and colleges with the assistance of our advisors.
 
Learn & practice  English online with our quizzes, games and podcasts or download ESL books and more!

Picture

About     Advertise     Contact     Submit     Product     Partners     Privacy     Refunds     ​Terms

ESL.COM Copyright 2022
  • ABOUT
  • Get Started
  • Services
    • ARGO
    • COLLEGEY
    • CORT
    • Cturtle
    • ELSA
    • Unilodgers
  • GET SMART