Question:
Many VOA Learning English fans write to us with this question: How do I improve my English?
Answer:
Dear VOA fan:
You are in the right place to improve your English! Over the next few weeks, Ask a Teacher will tell you how to use our website to get better at speaking English and improve your listening skills.
Study at the same time each day
The first step in getting better in English is to study at the same time each day.
Some of our readers tell us they listen to Learning English Broadcast on their way to school or work.
Do you wake up early and study when the house is quiet? Or do you like to stay up late and study before you go to sleep?
Choose a time to study English every day or every week. Make a study plan for each week. Here is an example using our website:
| On Monday: | On Tuesday: | On Wednesday: | On Thursday: | On Friday: |
| Watch Let’s Learn EnglishPractice the conversation with a friend. | Watch English in a MinuteTeach the new expression to family or friends. | Watch English at the MoviesWrite a note to a friend about the expression. | Watch News WordsWrite a sentence using the word. | Read or listen to Ask a Teacher or Everyday GrammarWrite three sentences. |
Find a friend to study together
A good way to learn is to study with a friend or a family member. You can study together in person or on the phone. Some families speak English only at dinner time or watch English videos together.
Set a goal
One of the most important steps to learn English is to set a goal. Make it something you know you can do in a short time. Here are some examples:
- I will learn four new idioms in the next month and use them with friends.
- I will practice speaking with my friends three times a week.
- I will write sentences with five new English words every week.
Start with these steps as we begin the new year: study at the same time, study with a friend and set a goal. Come back to read more about how to improve your English in the coming weeks.
And that’s Ask a Teacher!
I’m Jill Robbins.
Dr. Jill Robbins wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.
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Words in This Story
idiom –n. an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but has a separate meaning of its own
practice –v. to repeatedly do something to become better at it
Do you have a question for the teacher? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or email us at learningenglish@voanews.com.