71. Find study partners
You don’t need native speakers to practice your English. Find a study partner, or form an English club and meet regularly to speak English. You can motivate each other, and you will learn by helping others with their problems.
72. Use authentic materials
Just reading English in textbooks can get boring. Try reading English texts written for and by native speakers. It will be a challenge at first but a lot more interesting once you can do it. If you can’t find English books or magazines, use the Internet to read the news in English every day.
73. Get online
Get online and you can be in contact with people from all over the world. Join chat rooms or forums, take an online English course, or find a penpal to practice your English while learning about different cultures. With social media, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with friends from all over the world.
74. Find your motivation
Like any goal, learning a language is always easier and more fun if you have a reason to do so. Be sure to remain focused on that reason, since it will help get you through the times when learning seems hard.
For example, do you want to learn English to get a job? To travel? To impress a girl or guy in your class? Or do you want to learn it simply because it isn’t easy, because it’s a challenge? Whatever your motivation is, be sure not to lose sight of that motivation.
You should also recognize that you may have more than one reason for learning English, and that motivations may adapt or change with time.
75. Don’t translate everything
As a teacher, I notice that my students frequently have this problem.
It used to be hard to look up every word in a dictionary, but with the internet and Google Translate, it has become easier than ever to get fast “translations.”
Avoid this temptation.
The reason is that if you literally translate every single word of a sentence, it will probably sound terrible to a native speaker.
76. Keep a language log or journal
Either buy a notebook or dedicate a file on your cell phone or computer to your English learning experience. Every time you learn a new, important word, add it to your log, along with a definition and and example, if possible. You can also write other experiences in English if you want more writing practice.
77. Be realistic
Sure, it would be great if you could practice for 10 hours a day, but that probably won’t happen. You’ll have to recognize your own limitations, especially in terms of time, and learn to work with those limitations.
78. Read children’s books and comic books in English
Reading illustrated children’s books and comic books in English helps to put words into context and make learning fun—especially when you’re just starting out.
79. Take advantage of free online media
There are a wide range of free podcasts and available applications online that can help you learn English quickly. To get started, check out these learn English podcasts or this free application to help you learn American English.
80. Believe in yourself
Confidence in yourself is one of your greatest assets toward achieving your goals. Take risks and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are simply opportunities to learn! Before you know it, you will be speaking English with total confidence.
