Question:
Please advise me about learning English and TOEFL !!!?
anonymous
2013-01-10 00:06:18 UTC
I have a trouble to learning English. It has a very different structure than my language.
I have been learning English for a long time. But still no big difference. I'm reading, watching TV, listening to the music every day and more often as i can.
And I need high score on TOEFL.. Around 90-110. Help and advise me,,, What makes me learn English faster if I live among no English speaking people?
Is it true about i need a strategy too to get enough score on TOEFL?

P.S : I have practiced with English teacher who is from USA. But he's a cop. He taught me how to read. He has no idea about grammar.
Five answers:
cantilena91
2013-01-11 00:05:50 UTC
This is how you can improve your language skills (especially if English is not your native language):



Actually, broadening/improving one's language skills is a very broad concept, it should be done in more than one ways at the same time which is highly recommended. One can NOT become better ONLY in one area, say, speaking, one MUST improve skills in ALL dimensions of the language!



Learning language well requires being as active as possible and making the learning as FUN for oneself as possible. Taking lessons is always important, but equally important are these:



1) Listen/watch: Keep listening to internet radio stations like BBC, watch TV shows in English (use only subtitles, NOT voice dubbing in case you are not a native English speaker!), etc.



2) Write/communicate: Try to find discussion forums from the web about things that you find interesting and FUN (music/various artists, hobbies, etc.) and start communicating there with other people using only English. Start using instant messaging systems in case you find some new friends or start emailing them. Please do NOT be afraid of making mistakes or hesitating, because even native speakers do make mistakes and do hesitate at times! The more you enjoy communicating, the better!



3) Buy yourself a proper dictionary, and each time when you see a strange word that you do not understand, look it up. Putting words into their CONTEXT is one of the best ways to broaden one's vocabulary and grammar knowledge, the more you read and write the better. Memorising is NOT the best way to go with learning vocabulary, grammar or any other language areas! For idioms, you should buy an all-English dictionary which explains the words in English and shows you examples of how to use the words in their REAL context.



The main point in ANY language learning is to make it as fun as possible for yourself. Try to find topics that INTEREST you, read online newspapers (Times, Guardian, Independent...), listen to BBC/NBC and other radio stations online, if you find a discussion forum for e.g. your favourite hobby or your idols in music do participate there, etc. The key word here is CONTEXT, which means that it is easier to learn new words and their usage as well as grammar when you use/see them in their real CONTEXT. The more you see and hear the new words in their context and the more you use them in your speech & writing, the easier it becomes to remember their meanings and correct spelling. Do NOT be afraid of making mistakes though, because even native speakers do make mistakes and do hesitate at times!



I'm sorry there is NO EASY WAY out with this, one really must develop language skills in ALL these language "levels" or dimensions in order to reach better language skills!!



Last but not least: NEVER EVER use ANY online translators, they are nothing but utter rubbish!! English is practically EVERYWHERE in the online world these days, you just have to use your imagination to find it! Learning pace is always personal, it takes the time it takes so there is no reason to hurry it up too much. If you do, you will not learn so well. Also, please learn the basics of the standard English first before advancing to finer details like dialects/accents. A word of warning though: Do stay well away from overrated, overpriced and overhyped language "gimmicks" such as Rosetta Stone, they really are NOT worth for checking out! Also, never mind about your accent, as the main goal for you is that others understand you and you being able to understand other speakers.



Good luck!
Erica Tyler
2013-01-10 10:16:50 UTC
You might want to try some actual lessons that will help you improve your grammar.



http://www.englishbaby.com is a good place to practice English. You can take quizzes, chat, and find friends and penpals.



www.youtube.com/user/ebabyenglish

They also have a Youtube



http://www.livemocha.com is an excellent language learning program and offers an English course. Real native English speakers can correct your writing submissions and help you with grammar! LiveMocha is very fun.



http://www.postcrossing.com If you have the time and money to buy and send postcards then you should set up a profile on this website. You have to send a card before you can receive one but it is totally worth it and most of the people speak English.



They also have a forum where you can find an English speaking penpal from America, Australia, or wherever.



If you do an internet search in English, "Learn English" brings up lots of great results.
julia p
2013-01-10 08:15:41 UTC
I wouldn't suggest listening to the music, as there are very few songs that are grammatically correct and may further screw you up.



Are there absolutely no other English speaking people around you? Native or otherwise? That would have been very helpful.



When you are reading English materials, pay attention to the structure. Also, I would suggest reading something by and English speaking author, not translated to English as there is potential for mistranslated material. Possibly even material from a British author. Look up information on nouns, adverbs, adjectives, pronouns, verbs, find items (such as paragraphs) that dictate what is what.
Carissa
2013-01-10 15:51:20 UTC
Reading will help! I know you are feeling frustrated, but just reading will help you learn. Check out http://eslcarissa.blogspot.mx/2012/05/reading.html



When you watch movies do you have subtitles? While they are good to start, you should probably lose them after a bit to focus on your listening.



Buy a TOEFL prep book and practice practice practice!



Someone else mentioned livemocha and I agree it is an AWESOME site!
anonymous
2013-01-11 04:38:28 UTC
http://wortel.ucoz.com/index.htm may help


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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