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[EnglishLCI]

The secret to learning English, or any other language for the matter, fully and becoming fluent at it is to practice it during your everyday activities. ESL lessons are vital; however, the way English is spoken in the classroom is very different to the way the language is used in everyday life, thus, you must complement one with the other.

Outside the class, the speaking style is much more relaxed and informal, and in English, there are many idioms and slang terms to learn, so it is crucial that you look for opportunities outside the classroom to practice English in the way you will be using it the most.

Here we show you the 3 best ways to practice your English and to include the language in your daily life:

1. Find someone to talk with
This person should be someone from your school or community that is a native speaker and who is willing to spend some time regularly talking with you in English about anything and everything. Maybe in return for their help you can offer to teach him or her your language, or help them with other school topics you are good at.

Find someone you feel comfortable with and whom you trust, so as to enrich your experience, because then you will feel at ease asking questions about how to say something correctly, to avoid misinterpretation, and to learn to talk about topics that interest you.

2. Watch TV and go to the movies
Watch as many TV shows or movies as possible. In the beginning you will feel that the actors speak too fast; however, try to focus on understanding single words or phrases. Soon you will start understanding more and it will get easier to follow what they are saying.

Put your attention on identifying pronunciation patterns and on how the voices rise and fall when they ask questions and make statements.

If you want to review the basics, for example, the alphabet, counting, names of things, colors, etc., turn to children�s shows, and if you wish to learn more about the culture and lifestyle in the United States, pay attention to the advertisements and watch game shows.

3. Go out every day
If you are visiting or living in the United States or any other English speaking country, never miss a chance to go out and practice.

Every day, go out to places like shops, restaurants, and banks. No matter how brief the visit, try to order or ask questions in English, because as soon as you are able to buy something or get some information in English, you will feel more confident about your capacity to mingle among the locals.

Once you feel comfortable in these situations, try to talk to others casually, for example, commenting about the weather. These simple conversations and routine activities will make you feel more capable.

It may not excite you at all to go grocery shopping in your hometown, but doing so in a foreign place can be a fascinating experience. You can learn something new every step of the way!

These are ways in which you will become a highly active user of the English language. Through the effort that you make to speak, listen, and mingle with others, you will gain the practical knowledge and skills to become fluent in English.

Rachel Clarkson
Rachel Clarkson is an English teacher at LCI English ESL Programs and blogger at the ESL Blog.
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LCI offers the best ESL classes through experienced teachers and high quality programs in Denver, Colorado. Check out great ESL resources and articles at www.englishlci.com/blog