Are you making these mistakes?
Ten mistakes for language learners to avoid
Hello!
I often give you tips on how you can improve your English but today, let’s look at some things you should NOT do!
1. Having unrealistic expectations
You can't go from beginner to advanced level in three months! You need to be more realistic about what you can achieve. So don't put too much pressure on yourself, and don't try to move up through the levels too fast. It's important to have a good understanding of the basics before you move on to the next level.
2. Using the wrong materials
When you’re reading or listening, don't use materials that are too easy or too difficult. The right level for you is something that you can mostly understand but with a few new words. You can find my reading recommendations here and my listening recommendations here.
3. Being too scared to speak
Don't worry about making mistakes. Try not to be too shy or afraid of getting it wrong. You know, you can learn a lot from your mistakes. They can actually help you to improve.
4. Forgetting to review
Don't look at everything once and think you know it and will remember it all. It's important to take notes of new grammar and vocabulary and then review your notes regularly.
5. Learning lists of words
Don't try to learn lists of vocabulary without any context. It's boring and difficult. It's much easier to understand and remember words if you see them in a more natural context, so try reading something in English. Also, use what you learn in speaking and writing if you want to remember it.
6. Spending all your time on grammar
Grammar exercises are a good thing to do but it shouldn't be the only thing you do. Doing a variety of different things with your study time will make learning more enjoyable and help you to learn faster. Also, don't forget to practise using what you’ve learnt.
7. Not looking after yourself
Don't stay up all night playing games and looking at social media! Don’t go to school without breakfast! You can't concentrate if you are sleepy and hungry and you won't learn much. You need sleep and healthy food. Exercise probably helps too. A healthy body gives you a healthy mind, ready to learn!
8. Studying too hard
Studying for hours without a rest won't help you learn faster. It might even slow you down. It's important to take breaks every 30 or 60 minutes.
9. Relying on the teacher
Don't rely only on your teacher or your classes. Learn how to find information for yourself. Study and practise on your own between lessons and you’ll learn faster.
10. Finishing a course and then never using the language
If you stop using the language, you will forget it and then all the hours of study will be for nothing! I know this from personal experience! I learnt some French and German at school, and Polish more recently, but I really struggle to communicate now because I can't remember it all. So sad!
Have you been making any of these mistakes? Don’t worry! Now you know what to do instead!
See you next week!
Katie
PS You probably know by now that I have TWO Facebook groups.
If you’d like to join one of them, please read the information carefully and CHOOSE THE CORRECT LINK!
1) My new group is for WOMEN ONLY.
I wanted to create a place where women can learn together and support each other, where they can talk about women’s issues and topics of particular interest to women.
ADDED BONUS: There will be some chances for us to meet together on Zoom so you can practise your speaking with other women in the group.
So if you’d like to join a group that is just for women, I’d love to welcome you here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/englishconversationforwomen
2) My older group is for EVERYONE.
Men and women, anyone of any gender can join this group! There are lots of active members and we have some interesting conversations here. For example, we've been talking about AI (artificial intelligence) this week.
You can join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnenglishwithkatie