Best Way to Learn English on Your Own

Speaker: Brian Wiles

Overview

• Create a daily learning routine covering major elements:
  • Vocabulary
  • Pronunciation
  • Grammar
  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading and Writing
• Use resources based on current English proficiency level (CEFR scale)
• Build a learning plan to meet personal goals and needs

Assessing Current Level

• Take a free English proficiency test
• Results based on CEFR scale (A1 to C2)
• Use results to determine appropriate learning materials

Core Understanding of English

• Important to understand basics: verb conjugation, sentence structure, etc.
• Courses:
  • For American English:
  • For British English:
• Skip courses if English level is B2 or above; focus on listening, reading, and speaking

Pronunciation

• Different dialects (American, British, Australian, etc.)
• Focus on dialect of interest
• American English: Rachel’s English YouTube Channel
  • Clear explanations of sounds
  • Watch, listen, record yourself, and adjust
  • Study vocal placement techniques
• British English: Use recommended playlists
• Tech tools:
  • Elsa Speak App: Course program, AI feedback, 7-day free trial, use code Wiles30 for 30% off

Vocabulary

• Use flashcards, recommended tool: Anki
  • Free on PC/Mac, browser version for phone
  • A1/A2 Level: Beginner deck with native audio
  • B1/B2 Level: Intermediate deck for conversational language
  • C1/C2 Level: Create custom flashcards from media (podcasts, books, TV)

Grammar

• Challenging but becomes natural with practice
• Courses:
  • Beginner: Recommended courses
  • Intermediate: Free Shaw English Online course
  • Advanced: Khan Academy course (in English only)
• Books: Infographic Guide to Grammar

Listening Skills

• Essential to understanding and using English
• Best practiced with podcasts
• A1-B1 Level: Select beginner podcasts for American/British English
• B1 Level: American English Podcast
• B2 Level: The Past and the Curious
• C1-C2 Level: The Moth Story Hour, Radiolab
• Use English subtitles when watching TV/movies, not native language
• Look up new words immediately and use translation history for review

Speaking Skills

• Practice is essential; no shortcuts
• Methods:
  • ChatGPT: Voice chats and corrections
  • Self-Talk: Narrate your thoughts out loud
  • Online Conversation Partners: Find and practice with partners online
  • Immersion: Speak English in real-world settings when possible

Reading Skills

• Valuable for working or studying in an English-speaking country
• Beginners/Intermediate: FreeKidsBooks.org
• Advanced: Project Gutenberg

Writing Skills

• Important for students and professionals
• Use ChatGPT to practice writing and receive feedback
• Ask for writing prompts and corrections

Building a Daily Routine

1. Total Beginners (A1/A2):
   • Focus on core understanding with courses
   • Work on pronunciation and vocabulary with flashcards
   • Develop listening skills with beginner podcasts
2. Intermediate Learners (B1/B2):
   • Follow instincts, use courses or listening as main learning methods
   • Continue building vocabulary
   • Develop speaking skills, start reading and writing for work/school
3. Advanced Learners (C1/C2):
   • Follow needs and interests; use listening and reading
   • Speak English daily, seek conversations
   • Work on writing to identify and address proficiency gaps

Final Tips

• Keep learning; adjust resources as needed
• Practice consistently to become a fluent English speaker
• Ask questions and seek help if needed