Tips for learning and practising English

Tips for learning and practising English during a lockdown by Sue Rao, our Principal

As we all know, it is rather difficult these days to get out and about and socialise with others, and as a result you may be feeling that you are not using your English as much as you would like. It is important, however, that you do still keep practising and learning even when things are not normal. Here are some ideas I think you may find useful:

• Practise with those around you if you can: with family members, if they speak English, flatmates, friends on the phone etc.
• Arrange to meet up with classmates after your lessons and practise what you learnt in class.
• Listen to English radio, even if you do not understand everything, it is important to have that constant contact with English.
• Watch films or television with subtitles, this is always very helpful.
• Read as much as you can; start with simple articles on the internet, or something that really interests you. Then write a short summary of what you read.
• Crosswords are a great way to build vocabulary and learn synonyms. There are plenty to be found online. Keep a vocabulary book and write down all the new words you learn.
• Use the Callan Method online platform - see how you sound in English; read out a Callan Method dictation, or something else, and record yourself. Then close the book; listen to the recording and do the dictation. You will see how understandable your spoken English is.
• Join our free discussion sessions which we run twice a week

Hopefully, it will not be too long before we can all get back to school, be out and about and socialising once again; until then, remember practice makes perfect!