Ways To Improve Your English

"Sup? Your sensei is here spill on secrets on how to improve your English. I know, I am not exactly PhD material but I am better than most of my peers and I admit to having a lot of improvement to do plus catching up on my reading.

Fun fact for you - back in 2003 I couldn't speak a word of English. Let alone write them. I am often ridiculed by those around me particularly by my relatives who incessantly reminded me that they couldn't speak to me 'coz my English was abysmal. I still can't speak very well but when my thoughts are manifested the train of words just gushes like a torrent.

If you are in a similar situation, I should think I am the one who can emphatize with you since I have been there and out of it. (Thank goodness).

Here's to you - the one who's reading this post because you want to improve yourself. All my good thoughts.

1. Listen to English songs more.

I understand. It's hard to find 'clean' songs nowadays with all the pop trend having using foul languages as an acceptable medium in their lyrics but you know something. There are good songs out there that doesn't even have hints of obscenity in them. You can always choose oldies, 80's and 90's music. You know what? Just listen to whatever songs you like. As long as it's sung in English.

2. Don't just listen, sing along!

Lip syncing can help with pronounciation and memory power. You may sound like poo but hey, it's all in good fun. So yeah, blast your Ipod to your favourite songs, sing along with it. Over time, you can improve your pronounciation and vocabulary. Speaking of which...

3. Pick up the dictionary.

Don't be lazy. Don't be concerned about looking nerdy/geeky. Do you want improve or not? Whenever you stumble upon an unfamiliar word - immediately look it up the dictionary. You have dictionary in your phones right? Update them or whatever with all the words available. With this, you will be able to expand your vocabulary and use 'big words' in your conversation and essay.

Some online websites:
www.thesaurus.com
This is a very useful website that provides antonyms and synonyms of words. You will get a wider range of words similar to the one you're looking for - great when you want to make your essay look all nice and business-sy using those posh words)

www.Merriam-Webster.com
Another good website for online dictionary. This is a cool one because you get to hear how those words a pronounces ie it comes with audio.

4. Read

There is no better way to improve your language other than picking up a book of your choice and read them! It's improves your grammar, comprehension, challenges your imagination, opens up your mind to new ideas and expose you in knowledge that you never thought could be possible to exist. Start small. Especially if it''s your first  time reading storybooks(magazines, comics etc are also a good way but novels are a lot more...classy don't you think?). Don't think just because you're 20 you're can start with 'adult' books. When I first began my journey to improvement at 13 years old  I picked up the simplest children's book. From there, I branched off to Goosebumps, Singapore Ghost Stories and whatever's left of my sister's Sweet Valley collection. After that, I read YA(Young Adult), historical romance and finally now I am ready to read 'serious' books. At age 22. It's a looonnggg process and takes a lifetime but believe me it's worth it in the end.

5. Watch movies

English movies. Where they speak in English, you know - the one we are talking about right now? This is a fun way to improve your vocabulary because really, who doesn't like to watch movies??? They say learning is fun, damn right it is.

6. Write and proofread.

I actually went an extra mile by writing stories and have them checked by a trusted ally - my sister and my English teacher. Writing challenges the extent which your vocabulary spreads. By writing, you can notice the types of words and grammar you're using. Does your paper bleeds when you get it back after your teacher is done marking it? It used to happen to me too. I asked feedback from my teacher who was very supportive and was very gentle in criticizing. I identified the areas I was weak at, strifed to improve it by (see no.4). By writing, you test yourself, learn of the ways to effectively write the next bestseller. Try this if you want, but I gently remind you though that  this is just a supplementary step.

Hope I was helpful! God Bless! <3