Many people wonder: how to quickly learn English, especially when there is a trip abroad, an exam or a new job, where knowledge of a foreign language will make life much easie
How to learn to speak, write and read English quickly and effectively? Check out our guide.
How long does it take to learn communicative English?
Some say that English is the easiest to learn for beginners, others say that the first steps in learning a foreign language are the most difficult. However, how quickly you can learn English depends on several factors, including:
- time dedicated to learning – the more often you are exposed to English, the faster you will learn it, for example, you will get better results if you spend 30 minutes a day studying every day than 2 hours a week;
- systematically – don’t look for excuses, study systematically (for example, 15-30 minutes a day / 5 times a week);
- repetition – learn new words and phrases, but you also need to spend time consolidating existing knowledge;
- teaching method – whether you study only the textbook or use additional methods such as videos, flashcards, interactive exercises, vocabulary learning apps or language games
- Individual predispositions, such as ability to concentrate, ease of acquiring knowledge or maintaining motivation.
It is estimated that a high-quality English language course, effective and selected teaching methods, regularity and appropriate motivation will allow you to master the English language communicatively in just 3-6 months. It is worth adding that many people, despite studying the rules of vocabulary and grammar, have a so-called language block.
Then it is good to focus on acquiring practical knowledge of the English language, for example by talking with a native speaker, a friend from a language school, a friend or someone in your family. It is also a good idea to find an English-speaking companion, for example, on online platforms.
How to quickly learn English yourself?
Learning English is a process in which learning occurs not only quickly, but also (and perhaps above all) effectively. Motivation is the most important thing, so it is worth finding a learning goal and constantly remembering it. How quickly you learn English also depends on individual aptitude, so adjust the pace and method of learning to suit your needs. Self-study at home, group course at a language school, online course or so-called. plunge into the water and go abroad – another method may be more effective for everyone.
Important rules for quickly learning English at home
The recipe for how to quickly learn English at home may lie in following the rules of quick learning, the most important of which are given below.
- Stay motivated – Motivation is the key to success in many areas of life, and learning English is no exception. In moments of resistance or doubt, remember what you will gain from learning a new language.Be systematic – learning requires systematic repetition, so be sure to learn English at home.< /li>
- Set realistic goals – it will be easier for you to achieve your goal once it becomes achievable, so instead of, for example, assuming that you will learn 500 words in a week, it is better assume you learn 50 of them.
- Turn off “distractions” – concentration is important for learning English, turn off the TV, radio, mute your phone and anything that may disturb you. Just focus on learning English as quickly as possible.
- Don’t compare yourself to others – everyone learns at their own pace, so don’t be discouraged when some problems are easily solved by others and you need more time on them.</span
- Use different methods – a traditional textbook, audiobooks, conversations with a teacher, or maybe a dictionary app? Check out: how to learn English and choose the method that suits you best (or combine them together).
- Expand your exposure to the language – learn English wherever you can – surround yourself well with stimuli that encourage your brain to learn the language, such as listening to songs in English, watching movies and TV series in English, change the web browser language to English, etc.
The most common mistakes when learning English
Have you tried many times to master the English language, but all of them were unsuccessful? You may have given up too quickly or made other mistakes. Are you wondering how to quickly learn English and avoid mistakes? Find out which ones are the most common.
- Incorrectly assessing your level of language proficiency – too low a level can tire you, and too high can scare you away. Find out what your level of English is and determine yours (for example, by completing a free online test on the language school website).
- Give up too quickly – don’t be discouraged by failures, think about the small successes and what you have already learned.
- Too low motivation – believe in yourself and don’t forget why you are learning English.
- Lack of regularity – it’s worth developing a habit (for example, studying every day at the same time for 30 minutes), which will make it easier and more effective for you to learn English;
- No substantiation of knowledge – learning new words quickly is one thing, but the key to learning is repetition of knowledge already acquired.
Motivation to study English intensively - Intensive English learning will be more effective if you are properly motivated. Consider what learning a language can do for you: an English certificate can be your gateway to studying abroad, and business English can help you advance your career.
You will also be mobilized by the opportunity to gain new contacts and acquaintances, a feeling of confidence in moving abroad and watching your favorite films and TV series without turning on Polish subtitles. You will certainly find it easier to motivate yourself by studying in a group or with the help of a teacher.
Learning English quickly doesn’t have to be boring.
Some people get frustrated too quickly because they associate learning a new language with being boring and uninteresting. Change your attitude! You can speed up your English learning by learning it in different ways and it’s quite fun. How to quickly learn to speak and read English?
If you already speak English at an intermediate level, you can watch films, TV series or your favorite entertainment programs without Polish subtitles and dubbing.
Read books, e-books, articles on self-development. In bookstores and on the Internet you will find reading texts in English from level A1 that will help you learn new words.
Listen to podcasts, educational programs, radio and songs in English.
Learn “in context” – you can learn the words themselves quickly, but you can forget them just as quickly. It is more effective to learn words or phrases in the context of a topic, such as holidays, customs, daily life, etc. You will have an easier time remembering and using them in conversation.
Flashcards – in the form of flashcards or vocabulary learning apps on your smartphone – you can always have them with you and view them, for example, on public transport or while traveling.
Learn while having fun – computer games, language quizzes, role-playing games and even watching educational stories will be engaging and enrich your English at the same time.
Go abroad, to work or even on vacation, to practice your spoken English.
Learning English at home and at school – differences
Learn English at home
Learning English from the comfort of your home will be the best option if you want to learn on your own and are well motivated. This is beneficial when you arrive on time and live away from the language school. This will save you time (and money) on travel and use it for your studies. At home, you can choose the methods, timing and pace of study and adapt them to your daily routine (a big advantage if you lead a changing lifestyle).
English course at a language school
The advantage of studying English at a language school is the constant care of a qualified teacher and a curriculum adapted to a given level of language proficiency. By studying in a group, it will be easier for you to motivate yourself and overcome the language block. Choose a language school if you are afraid that self-study will be ineffective and may reinforce bad habits in you. However, a language course at school usually takes longer than self-study at home. In addition, the school only gives recommendations, and at home you still need to do additional exercises and learn vocabulary to consolidate your knowledge.
An alternative is online language courses. Thanks to them, you can study at your own pace, anywhere you choose. You receive a variety of learning materials tailored to your level of language proficiency (e.g. textbooks, audio and video recordings, vocabulary learning apps, conversations with a native speaker) that you can adapt to your time, learning pace and other opportunities. If necessary (for example, problematic issues), you can also consult with the teacher. You will find that learning English this way can be effective and enjoyable.
Why should you learn English?
It cannot be denied that English is one of the leading languages in the world today. It is the language of business contacts, science, international cooperation and diplomacy, as well as a universal language for communication throughout the world. English will be useful both when traveling and when studying at a foreign university. More and more employers require at least a communicative level of English, and in large corporations it is good to have an advanced level of English. This will make it easier for you to understand the dialogues in your favorite TV series and the content of the songs. In addition, the learning process itself develops and will enrich your competencies, which you will sooner or later use.
How quickly you learn English depends on many factors, including your current level of language proficiency, learning method, time available to study, or personal predispositions (such as ease of learning or ability to learn independently). However, it is worth having the right motivation, using various methods of learning new words and focusing on practical knowledge of the English language, which will break the language blockade.