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.