| Are you thinking of taking up English as a second | | | | To effectively teaching yourself English, you can |
| language? Are you spending most of your leisure | | | | try to listen to the news on the televsion or |
| time taking English lessons or engaging a personl | | | | other media. Generally speaking, radio |
| English tutor? Or do you belong to those who | | | | broadcasters that report the news speak clearly, |
| prefer to be a self-tutor? The route to learning | | | | use good vocabulary, and also use idiomatic |
| English by your own efforts is not impossible- it | | | | expressions. For the online versions, you can |
| just takes more time and perserverance. There | | | | access the news reports from National Public |
| are many ways to improve your command of | | | | Radio and the British Broadcasting Corporation |
| the language, be it conversational or written. | | | | (NPR and the BBC). However, listening to the radio |
| Some of these methods may sound easy but it | | | | will suffice as well. If you can, it would be a good |
| definitely takes tremedous effort and discipline to | | | | idea to record a ten to fifteen minute segment of |
| stick to them. | | | | a news show or any broadcast that might |
| First of all, it is important to build up your | | | | interest you. Take note of any words or |
| vocabulary and learn as many words as possible. | | | | expressions that sound unfamiliar to you. If you |
| You can start by jotting down all the new words | | | | were able to record what you listened to, listen to |
| and phrases that you encounter everyday. When | | | | it again to see if you can figure out what the new |
| you converse with others, it is likely that there | | | | words and expressions mean through the context |
| are words that are unfamiliar or new to you. You | | | | that they are used in. In this way, you can easily |
| should take down all these words in your | | | | learn a few hundreds words a day and in no time, |
| notebook and check out their meanings using a | | | | you have to get yourself a bigger notebook! |
| dictionary. If you have access to internet, this | | | | When learning new words and expressions, it is |
| task is just a few clicks away. There are plenty | | | | important to take note of whether these words |
| of online dictionaries that are free and simple to | | | | and expressions are used in an informal context |
| use. One of them is which also provides searches | | | | or a formal context. Many words and expressions |
| in different languages. | | | | are used both formally and informally. If you |
| Another effective method for teaching yourself | | | | aren't sure of exactly how to use a new word or |
| English is to adopt the daily habit of reading novels | | | | expression, you can try them out with work |
| or newspapers. You can also choose to read | | | | colleagues and friends. Strike conversations with |
| some magazines that are related to your interest | | | | your friends using the new words that you learn. |
| or hobbies, so that the reading does not bore | | | | In addition, you should also listen as closely as |
| you. Again, it is advisable for you to highlight those | | | | possible when you converse. Listen for anything |
| words and expressions that you don't understand. | | | | that sounds different, new, or unfamiliar. If the |
| After you are done reading, go back to the | | | | circumstance permits, don't be afraid to take out |
| highlighted words and expressions and write them | | | | your pocket notebook and write it down. If you |
| down in your notebook. You should also leave | | | | say something that isn't quite right, the person |
| some space besides the words, for writing of an | | | | you are speaking with might take note of it and |
| explanation or a definition. The next step is fill up | | | | let you know. If you aren't sure of something you |
| these blanks by looking up their meanings using | | | | said or would like to say, then ask about it. Do |
| the dictionary. Some online versions also allow you | | | | not be afraid to ask and I'm sure the people |
| to key in many words at the same time and this | | | | around you will be impressed by your diligence |
| helps to save a lot of time. | | | | and determinace. |