How to learn English easily and effectively at home? This is what you will discover in the following lines. Be careful, this method is the opposite of the school method.
This way we are discussing in the article is counter the buzz methods that promise miracles quickly.
This is a realistic approach, certainly the fastest of all, but one that requires a complete rethinking of your learning. You will have to immerse yourself and practice English all the time.
But first, why try to master English? You may have a family member abroad or a professional need. Whatever your reason, English is an opening to the world.
Did you know, for example, that only 4% of the planet’s Internet pages are in French, while English pages represent 55.1% of the world’s web content?
Source: https://w3techs.com/technologies/overview/content_language/all
If you learn this language, it is like unlocking millions of pages and information instantly.
What is true on the web is true elsewhere … especially in the professional world. English can really change your life.
Beyond that, what a fabulous feeling to speak a new language. You will discover a different way of thinking, a new culture, a new world, a new adventure. It is all exciting.
Table of Contents
Adopt the right attitude
The problem is that we believe that English is like cycling that might seem easy.
However, that is not at all how it works. We can never say, “It’s done! English, I know it” and move on.
You will be able to progress and reach an exceptional level, but there will always be new things to learn.
You will always work on English and maintain it. Learning will never stop really. That is what makes the thing exciting!
Set the right goal
So, to be effective right now, start by defining your current goal. Where do you want to be at first? What level do you want to reach?
If I had to formulate the most common goal of my students, it would be:
“Reach a smooth conversation level, and no longer be afraid to speak in English.
This is a very good example of a goal to start! Which one is yours ?
It should be noted that the second part of this goal is not directly related to your level. It’s more about the unconscious fear of making mistakes and getting embarrassed. But I’ll come back to that just in a moment, because there are effective solutions for that too.
What helped me to embark on learning English language
For my part, I really progressed in English from the moment I made my first trip abroad. The trip itself helped me, but it especially gave me a good chance that made English a passion.
Then I discovered fascinating English-speaking authors. This forced me to read in that language. Then I traveled, lived in England, worked in Ireland. It allowed me to improve again. But the trigger was the passion awakened by the first trip.
For all my students who are making rapid progress, I find these two common key elements:
- Passion, or enthusiasm
- Practice, immersion in everyday life.
These students are passionate about English. They do a lot.
Rest assured, this is quite possible without traveling and I will explain how.
The three keys to progress quickly in English
- The first key is to force your brain to think in English, and to be in touch every day, every week, with the language you are learning. If you are in the learning phase, and you want to progress quickly enough, I recommend 3 to 4 hours per week in contact with English. Not necessarily 4 hours of studious work, but at least contact: a conversation, a film, a book, it matters. Meet English people, think in English, read in English, sing in English, watch films, discover the culture of English-speaking countries that fascinates you the most.
- The second key is to follow your passions and interests. Do you have a passion for English but also for the subjects you will have in English. Watch the films of the directors you love, with your favorite actors. Read the authors you like. Follow blogs, newspapers, podcasts, forums, on your interests. For example, are you passionate about beautiful cars? Read English blogs about this. Are you more interested in fly fishing, wakeboarding or 80s music? Whatever your area of interest, if you read, listen, write on forums about topics that you like, it will be so much easier! You learn English for yourself, do yourself a favor by doing it …
- The third key is to give yourself the means to get there. Start now, and give yourself 3 to 4 months to progress. It may seem very long but it is actually fast. If you do, your progress will be phenomenal. However, it is not a question of getting into a week and stopping the next one. Aim for continuous improvement, putting yourself in a bit, but regularly. Every week, for 3 to 4 months minimum to start.
Ideally, you will enjoy it and then it will become normal, and you will continue.
You can also make a small personal lesson plan, noting the concepts you would like to learn. I will come back to this topic a little further…
