How to improve English language skills?
I am a very late reader and right now in the budding stage. So voracious readers pls help me out here. My skills on the english language is poor and I intend to improve on it. I am reading novels lately and I would welcome reading techniques you use. I have searched the net to find tips but thats not what I am looking for, I just want to know from your experience in reading. Should I look up dictionary everytime I encounter an unfamiliar word?
Hey, This is usually many students are asking question so i am calling it as FAQ(FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION).However to improve english you have too read newspapers and try to understand wat written in the paper.In the initial stage you may be completely confused, but later your VOCABULARY level improves. Again i will suggest you if your mother tongue is TAMIL then read tamil paper and later read ENGLISH paper so you feel wat i am advising to you. This is the first stage later may listen english news even you didn't understand 100%, CARRY-same process. Try to understand ARTICLES,MAGAZINES, AUTHORS VIEW, REPORTS, ETC.. At this level youmay not TOLERATE my advise because this requires VERY HARD WORK but remember without hard work nothing is possible wat our seniors are advised us, isn't it?? So i hope this longadvising letter may change your lifestyle and i hope you will do the same thank you GOOD BYE
Best Answer
Read what interests you - that is the best way to enjoy it and to learn the most! As yourself what you want to learn about - is there a certain person or subject? There is a book available about almost everything and everyone these days! For quality I suggest reading classic American novels (1800s-1900s), because often today's novels have less advanced vocabulary. If you are still in school I would ask an English teacher for recommendations, or check out your local library. Historical fiction is great because you can dip your feet into both history and reading at once, and the stories are often based on fact. Here's one reading list: http://www.phschool.com/curriculum_support/reading_list/high_school.html And yes, I would use a dictionary. Looking up the words will help you so much in the long run. If using a paper copy is difficult try Dictionary.com for quick definitions. This may sound crazy to you, but a Bible is a good resource for learning English - a translation like the NIV has enough big words to stretch you but is in modern enough language to understand. I am impressed at your commitment to reading and learning even as a late reader :) P.S. The better reader you are, the better your writing will be too!
All Answers
Answer 1
firstly start with reading newspaper daily so that you get to the habit of reading then start reading short stories. in that way you can upgrade yourself.
Answer 2
Read what interests you - that is the best way to enjoy it and to learn the most! As yourself what you want to learn about - is there a certain person or subject? There is a book available about almost everything and everyone these days! For quality I suggest reading classic American novels (1800s-1900s), because often today's novels have less advanced vocabulary. If you are still in school I would ask an English teacher for recommendations, or check out your local library. Historical fiction is great because you can dip your feet into both history and reading at once, and the stories are often based on fact. Here's one reading list: http://www.phschool.com/curriculum_support/reading_list/high_school.html And yes, I would use a dictionary. Looking up the words will help you so much in the long run. If using a paper copy is difficult try Dictionary.com for quick definitions. This may sound crazy to you, but a Bible is a good resource for learning English - a translation like the NIV has enough big words to stretch you but is in modern enough language to understand. I am impressed at your commitment to reading and learning even as a late reader :) P.S. The better reader you are, the better your writing will be too!
Answer 3
you have to communicate with others who are fluent in English and you should not bother about the mistakes you commit,you have to ask them to point out your mistakes and rectify them,o.k. all the best
Answer 4
read english news papers, watch english speaking news, try to speaks in english with your friends, make an hobby to keep dictionaries where you will find some more words . thats all
Answer 5
for improve communication, u can join www.yappr.com
Answer 6
the 3 golden rules to language - read it, speak it, listen to it. so read atleast a book a week. it can be a romance or even archie comics, but read! dont be afraid to speak english. if u make a mistake, someone will correct you. and you will learn. watch a lot of english movies and TV programmes. it will help you get used to the different accents, and also help you learn contemporary lingo.
Answer 7
Free English learning newsletter - please send e-mail to newsletter@onlineenglishteacher.co.uk with subject line "newsletter request" - here is an example: http://www.ymlp.com/msg.php?id=akicecxcddl
