Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Afroz]

In my opinion, if something is too easy, it's no fun! Yes, learning English (or any other new language) can by quite difficult and time consuming.

To improve listening, I suggest that you listen to the podcasts that I mentioned above. Podcasts for ESL are good because:
1. Certain podcasts are meant for beginners, while others are meant for intermediate and advanced students. You can choose your level. Don't start with something that is too difficult for you.
2. They are made specially for ESL students and, hence, the host of the show speaks very clearly and at an appropriate speed. All new words and phrases are also explained in detail.
3. With some of those podcasts, you can read a part of the script on the website itself so that if you don't understand what is being said, you can still follow along.
Try it out... I think you'll find it quite helpful.

About your writing... well... improving your grammar, unfortunately, isn't as much fun as improving you listening. I think reading books is an excellent way to improve your writing ability (among other things) although it is a very slow process. Reading a lot allows a person to get a "feel" for a language. Once you can "feel" the language well, then you can write good sentences without really understanding the details of the underlying grammar too well. It can also help you write in natural English rather than Chinglish. (Hopefully I haven't confused you by talking about "feel"ing a language.)

Hope all this is of some help!

Afroz.
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Meet new people. Express yourself. Improve your English. Be a part of the community.
Shangqiu Online.

[Afroz]

Oh... almost forgot... be careful though about the books that you read. I've seen many books in China which are supposed to help you improve your English. Unfortunately, many of those books themselves have bad or unnatural English.

Afroz.
_________________
Meet new people. Express yourself. Improve your English. Be a part of the community.
Shangqiu Online.

[Buny]

Hi

I also have a problem with my English. I'm from Russia and my english very poor. I can't find a good way for me so that I can learning english. I also have a problem with english grammar. How to learn new words? How to understand english grammar?
Thank you!
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Best regards,
Buny

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello Bunny -

Studying is good, but using (practice/produce) what you are learning will help make it part of "your English".

When you learn new words, it's good to write 3 (or more) original sentences using the new words. You can keep a special notebook for new vocabulary and review on a regular basis.

When you learn new grammar rules, also look at a "usage reference" (ie. "English Grammar in Use", by Michael Swan) and write 3 (or more) original sentences using the new grammar. You can keep a special notebook for new grammar and review on a regular basis. :) Philo

[Buny]

[nikks008]

Hey you guys, I'm reading a lot of great advice in this discussion.
When it comes to learning a new language it does take practice, practice, practice. Here is what I did while learning Spanish in an English speaking country:
1. I kept a small notepad to write down new verbs (action words in English) and would make examples of the different forms of the word for e.g. The verb 'to be'-
I am
You are
He, She or It is
We are
They are

When I wanted to make a new sentence using a verb I would consult my notepad and choose a verb from there, using the correct Subject / Verb agreement.

2. Keep all sentences simple in your note pad so you will get better at writing, remember you want to love the language and not hate it in the end.

3. I made friends with 2 Spanish natives and they made simple conversation with me to help me learn their language, that was fun, as I made mistakes and was able to correct them while speaking. Remember speaking English is the best practice you'll have because your brain is now actively using what you have learned, and making mistakes and correcting them will take you very far in your learning. If you don't have English natives around, then use the forums here to chat, or use an online messenger to speak to an English person.

I hope these tips help. Let us know how your coming along.

_________________
http://www.englishcopybook.com
http://www.esldiary.com

[knd1955]

[Paggie Kuo]

Do you want to learn English well?
Here are some ways and it can help you a lot.
<1>Try to speak or maknig a conversation with a foreigner.
<2>Listen to the English program. Such as:Studio Classroom and Let's Talk in English or you can listen CNN.
<3>Preview and review English vocabulary after class.
<4>Write an English essay several days.
<5>Try to write English diary everyday.
<6>Reading English books or maganzine.
If you can follow these tips, your English ability will improve soon.
Come on...everyone!
_________________
Paggie

[izalo]

[RedRose]

First of all, you have to love English!! after you take english as your hobby, it's hard for you NOT to touch it EVERYDAY!!! and since you read, write, listen....all in English, it's hard for you NOT to improve your english.

[Didy Bear]

Philo is a very goood advicer for English learning .I am learning much from his words.Thank you!

[anantha krishna]

When you attempt to learn a new language, including English, you will start in all seriousness and start equipping yourself with said language. But, to be conversant with a language is to be confident about the language. It is my feeling that, though you understand the language, YOU LACK CONFIDENCE in putting the same to use. So, when one leaves the FEAR and takes courage to CONFIDENTLY use the language, in no time one can be proficient with that new language.

I am open to correction......
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N.V.ANANTHA KRISHNA
Hyderabad 500068-India

[waner]

hello! I am a English learner too. In my opinion, we could not improve our english in a short time. We have to work hard and insist on only in this way we can improve our English. there are some my advice which is told by my teachers and friends and i hope it could help you a little. First: keep writing everyday! you may write a english diary or some interesting things.Second, listening to English for half an hour every night or morning that is depend on you. Third, when you read some English books ,you should select some useful words and write them down on a special book.
That is my advice and maybe you could try.

[carneol]

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello carneol - Thanks for the kind words.

How did you learn English? What methods have you found to be most helpful? Philo :)