1. Watch the video
If you watch films, TV shows and videos in English, then you can not only get rid of the feeling of guilt for wasted time, but also learn English. It is best to start by watching simple films or TV series with English subtitles, gradually moving on to more specialized videos without any subtitles.
2. Use Skype
Skype training is already so widespread that it will not be difficult to choose a suitable training program and a teacher. From the pros – you can practice even from early morning, even late at night. Of the minuses – the quality of communication, which can pump up at the most inopportune moment, and the impossibility of using some interactive teaching methods.
3. Attend online courses
Language learning websites and online courses are designed for people with a high level of motivation and great willpower. An example is the online course on the EIC-English website. Exercises here for a very different circle of people: replenishment of vocabulary in a playful way, audio materials for training the perception of foreign speech by ear and a virtual world in which you can fly on vacation and learn the most necessary words for a tourist. In addition to all this, you can devote an unlimited number of tasks to grammar, thanks to the system that generates them in an unlimited number. All tasks are completed online, and the system independently checks them and gives a hint if you made a mistake.
4. Go to language clubs
Language clubs will help you learn to speak and, which is important, think in English. Foreign language clubs can be visited on weekends, as the vast majority do, or you can start and end your day with conversations in English. Talk Club organizes English Breakfast morning gatherings on weekdays, and EIC-English organizes Saturday and evening English and Movie Club, where you can watch and discuss not only films, but also the latest news over a cup of tea and cookies. In addition to well-organized clubs, there are others that are spontaneous. For example, now the Aloha club is gaining momentum, where, among other things, meetings are held, when everyone who comes communicate, depending on the topic, in one of the common languages. Cost: up to 1,500 rubles in professional English clubs, in spontaneously organized communities – free of charge.
5. Learn specialized English
One of the most effective ways to learn a foreign language is to come from the side of the profession and interests. People who speak foreign languages have the opportunity to receive many times more unique information in the area that interests them. In order to learn a language, you can start reading foreign specialized magazines – for example, in photography, economics or medicine. You can also enroll in specialized language courses that study a language in one specific area. For example, take the course “English for Aviation Professionals”. There is even a course on Bible Stories in English. Of course, it is worth going to such courses only really because of the existing need or interest.
6. Listen to audio
Listening to books, podcasts and audio lessons is an indispensable and perhaps even the only way to master the skill of an impeccable listening comprehension of foreign speech. What to listen to – fiction, nonfiction, news agency podcasts, or math lectures – everyone’s choice.
7. Read
To master a foreign language on a passive level, it is enough to read books. The main thing to remember is that the book must be written by a native speaker. It is worth starting with modern books, gradually moving to classic or highly specialized books, depending on your needs. Choose what is really interesting. In addition to traditional reading, techniques were invented for more effective language acquisition. One of them is the method of parallel texts, when a book page is divided into two columns, one of which is a text in a foreign language, and the other is a Russian version of the work. It is especially useful to read parallel texts for those who want to become a professional translator.