11 Ways to Improve Your English Skills
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As an international student in the U.S., it can be challenging to use a second language—English—to express yourself effectively in both casual and academic settings. English is considered one of the most difficult languages to master because of its unpredictable spelling and difficult grammar.
In my coaching experience, many international students feel very uncomfortable in an American classroom where they are expected to speak up and actively participate in discussions. Part of it is because they don’t feel comfortable with English just yet.
If this sounds like you, don’t despair! This article is about helping you find creative ways to improve your English skills. With practice, you can feel more confident communicating in English in various settings!
11 Ways To Help You Master English
1. Watch Shows in English
Watching a variety of shows increases your awareness of how vocabulary and intonations are used in different situations. Some movies to try out are The King’s Speech, Akeelah and the Bee, and Inside Out.
Sitcoms demonstrate how two-way casual conversations are done. Good sitcoms to check out are Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and How I Met Your Mother.
Documentaries and news programs have the most polished word pronunciation, but they are monologues, so it’s better to use them as an example for presentations. Find news programs that highlight your local area so you can listen to the local accents. For example, Texas Country Reporter interviews interesting people and sights from around the state.
Watching a show with English subtitles helps you distinguish when a word you hear and see do not sound the same. This helps you to connect the pronunciation with the spelling.
Mimic the speech you hear by speaking it back as closely as possible. Try it out with your friends to see who has the best imitation of a line from a show you are watching!
2. Read in English
Diverse forms of writing should be read to observe how the communication media addresses different audiences.
For example,
· Academic articles and textbooks are more formal and written to increase knowledge and vocabulary.
· Books can help you become familiar with reading material that has been written and edited in a medium to formal language.
· Newspapers show how to use reported speech to describe an event or person.
· Magazines can be technical or only about pop culture, depending on their audience.
· Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms will keep you up to date on the everchanging acronyms and slang used in casual conversations today.
When reading, read out loud. Listen to the rhythm of the words. Practice stressing different syllables in the sentence.
3. Listen and Sing Along to Music in English
Sing along to your favorite English tunes! The songs can help you remember the words and the context in which they are used.
And when you’re not listening to music, you can eavesdrop on other people’s conversations in line, at the bus stop, or at the gas station!
4. Create a Vocabulary Book
Use the Notes app on your phone to keep a running list of useful words and phrases, so you can always pull out the list for a quick review.
Write down a new word each day and how to use the word in a sentence—then practice using the word in speech and written form!
5. Write in English
Keep a journal and use it to record your thoughts and daily events without censoring too much of what you write—but be sure to write in English! You might even consider writing a blog on topics you are interested in.
6. Make Use of Technology
Use an online dictionary with audio examples so you can see how words are written and hear how to pronounce them. You can also use apps like Busuu, Grammarly and Wordtune to help you with your English.
7. Participate in English-Speaking Activities
Love cooking or yoga? Sign up to learn more! Look for classes or activities in English that you enjoy and are familiar with so that you can connect the vocabulary and phrases to the action.
8. Have Conversations in English
Make friends with people with whom you need to use English—try not to only socialize with people who speak the same native language as you! Find a conversation partner or a language exchange partner—or even have conversations with Siri!
If needed, don’t be shy to ask the speaker to repeat what they said. Know it’s not uncommon for native English speakers to do so as well. In repeating, usually the speaker slows down and may use better pronunciation.
The other person is only talking in context to what you are doing and saying. It’s a back-and-forth conversation, not a grammar exercise, so you can ask questions to clarify any doubts. You don’t have to say you didn’t understand; instead, ask the other speaker to repeat what they said. When appropriate, you may want to consider telling the person you are learning English and you are trying to understand.
In addition to having conversations with someone else, you can also have conversations with yourself!
Use a mirror and watch yourself as you speak
Focus on fluency, not grammar
Think in English
Learn phrases that you’ll use often
Record yourself and listen back
9. Practice Speaking Up in Class
Before class, review your text and see what vocabulary word you need to listen carefully for in class.
Listen for words or symbols that are not pronounced or used as you expect. For example, 2 + 2 = 4 is said “two plus two equals four.” You do not use the word “add” or “addition.”
If you’re like me finding it challenging to speak up in class when I first came to the U.S., consider preparing a couple of questions ahead of time so that you have something to participate in class with.
Once you’re feeling more comfortable, see if you can follow the discussions more closely and share your thoughts more spontaneously.
10. Work with a Professional English Instructor
You can speed up your learning process by working with a professional English instructor.
There are many academic and professional services that instructors provide in preparing and editing presentations, essays, and other materials. Many times, the first draft has too many words to express what you need to say. Working with an English instructor can help you be more concise and persuasive. Final editing or presentation practice is essential to make sure your information is understood. English is not rigid regarding use of formal and informal language, but it is good to have an English instructor review your information before you try out those new phrases.
Speaking and listening can be confusing because English links words together. An English instructor can show the format for blending word sounds together in a sentence, which is important for your listening and understanding, as well as speaking and pronunciation.
If you’re looking to work with an English instructor, check out Lori Baker. Lori has many years of experience working with individuals and families that have relocated to the U.S. She helps to close the gap between what they have learned in English classes in the past and how to put it into practice in the U.S. culture through planning for their essential or important activities, such as giving presentations, preparing for job interviews, paying visits to the doctor/dentist, etc.
11. Most Important—Don’t Stress!
Don’t worry about making mistakes, be kind to yourself! Learning to speak and write in English is very challenging, so give yourself a pat on the back for all your efforts and any little progress you make along the way!
Need Help Managing Your Discomfort with English?
Managing your discomfort with English effectively through your thoughts and behavior allows you to come across as confident and credible. Schedule a call with me to see how I can help you navigate any anxiety or fear around communicating and expressing yourself in English as an international student in the U.S.!
*This article is prepared by Dr. Vivi & Professional English Instructor, Lori Baker.
About The Author
Many years ago I came to the U.S. from Taiwan and studied in a field that rarely accepted “fresh off the boat” international students from non-English speaking countries. I’m Dr. Vivi Hua, Psy.D. and I help international students navigate the cross-cultural aspects of their experience in the U.S., so they can succeed academically and socially and build a life and career that they desire!