How to Learn English on Your Own

Jul 10, 2024

How to Learn English on Your Own

Introduction

  • Presented by Brian Wiles
  • Goal: Create a daily learning routine for English
  • Covers vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills

Understanding Your Current English Level

  • Importance of knowing your current level
  • Take a free English proficiency test
  • Results based on CEFR scale (A1 to C2)
  • Recommendations will vary based on level

Building Core Understanding of English

  • Necessary before watching TV shows or listening to podcasts
  • Choose between American and British English
  • Recommendations: Free courses for understanding basics
    • American English
    • British English

Pronunciation

  • Importance of selecting a dialect (American, British, etc.)
  • American English: Recommend Rachel's English YouTube channel
    • Clear explanations of every sound
    • Record and review your pronunciation
  • Advanced technique: Vocal placement
    • Resources: YouTube playlists
  • British English: Recommend specific YouTube playlists for basic technique and vocal placement
  • App Recommendation: Elsa Speak for personalized feedback
    • Offers a course program for beginners
    • Uses AI to analyze and improve speech

Vocabulary Building

  • Essential for fluency
  • Recommendation: Use flashcards
  • Tool: Anki (free on PC/Mac)
    • Uses spaced repetition
    • Different Anki decks for different levels:
      • A1/A2: Beginner decks with native audio
      • B1 and above: More conversational language
      • Advanced: Create your own flashcards based on media consumption

Grammar

  • Challenging but important for fluency
  • Recommendations based on level:
    • Beginners: Use initial courses
    • Intermediate: Shaw English Online
    • Advanced: Khan Academy course (in-depth)
    • Any level: Infographic Guide to Grammar book

Listening Skills

  • Crucial for understanding spoken English
  • Best resource: Podcasts
    • Beginner to Intermediate:
      • Specific recommendations based on dialect
    • Intermediate and above:
      • American English: American English Podcast, The Past and The Curious
      • Advanced: The Moth Story Hour, Radiolab
  • Use English subtitles when watching TV/movies
  • Make flashcards for new words

Speaking Skills

  • Methods to improve:
    1. ChatGPT: Voice chats for conversational practice
    2. Self-Talk: Narrate your thoughts out loud
    3. Online Conversation Partners
    4. Immersion: Speak with real people
  • Importance of overcoming fear of mistakes

Reading and Writing Skills

  • Reading:
    • Beginners/Intermediate:
      • FreeKidsBooks.org
    • Advanced:
      • Project Gutenberg (classic literature)
  • Writing:
    • Use ChatGPT for practice and feedback

Creating a Daily Learning Routine

  • Beginner Level:
    • Focus on understanding core concepts with a course
    • Work on pronunciation and vocabulary with flashcards
    • Develop listening skills with beginner podcasts
  • Intermediate Level:
    • Follow personal preferences
    • Emphasize listening and vocabulary
    • Start practicing speaking, reading, and writing
  • Advanced Level:
    • Tailor routine to personal needs and interests
    • Focus on listening, reading, speaking, and advanced writing

Conclusion

  • Importance of continuous learning
  • Adjust routine based on goals and interests
  • Consistent practice leads to fluency

Resources

  • Links to all recommended courses, websites, and tools in video description.