New Year’s Resolutions to expand your English

By our Callan Method teacher Nikhil Murphy. Every year millions of people set themselves targets for the New Year that are quite simply impossible! This year, we’re encouraging English learners to stick to the basics and choose goals that are within sight. And no…you don’t have to run a marathon whilst reciting the English alphabet backwards. Perhaps some of these will help:

a. A new word a day will keep the cobwebs away.

Find a new word each day, or a target that suits your lifestyle. Don’t just read a definition of the word but try to push your comprehension of it. Find an example, figure out the pronunciation and then try to use it yourself in the week to follow. You could even keep a new word diary to help you to remember. This is a great way to personally grow your English vocabulary outside of the classroom.

b. Sit on the couch more.

Yes, you have read that correctly! While a lot of people vow to get off the couch, sitting down and watching a TV programme or film in English is a perfect way to hone your receptive skills. You control the environment. Choose with subtitles or without, but watch a film you know well in English and test yourself weekly.

c. Find a native speaker and don’t let go!

Well, don’t squeeze too hard. Although practising your speaking as much as possible is an obvious choice, it is often overlooked. In order to structure your exposure to everyday English, make a commitment to speak the language with somebody for a set amount of time per week. In a park, in a pub, its up to you – but even half an hour at a time will vary your sentence structures in free conversation and increase your confidence.

ABC at your service.