One of the most frequent questions students ask teachers  is “How can I improve my English QUICK and WELL?”

To begin with, as a general rule you should practice English daily and regularly. 

Essentially, anything you do must be involved with the English language. 

Also, as some experts say, learning “little and often” is more effective than occasional intensive study. 

 If you integrate this piece of advice and these 5 good things you can actually do, I am sure you will see great results in no time.

#1: English is not only used in the classroom.

Some people think that attending a course is going to be the best solution for your learning experience . Yes, going to school is a great way to learn and improve your English, but in most cases this process is not enough to reach what you think is a decent level. You have to take that classroom knowledge and use it, practice it, make mistakes and have fun with it outside in the real world. 

Do you speak English in your house? With your housemate? Do speak it with friends whom don’t share your native language? At any time of the day, are you speaking English or only your native language?

As a result, there are plenty of occasions to speak English with others during the day. If you make the English language part of your life rather than your native tongue, you’ll see how this move will increase your confidence and skills rapidly!

#2: Go out for movies or just relax at home.

One of my favourite activities is watching films, videos and  TV shows. Try watching more movies and TV shows without subtitles. If it is too much when you start, try putting subtitles on at first and then gradually watching without. 

Something I would suggest to students is to write down words or phrases you hear in movies and TV shows that you don’t understand and ask your teachers or other students. It is incredible how many new words and expressions you can learn by watching soap opera, comedies and TV series. 

Get Netflix or buy second hand DVDs. The reasons are simple! Firstly, both are super cheap options. Secondly, you can pause and go back whenever you need to double check something that you didn’t understand well before.

#3: Join a student group or a club.

If you are attending a course in any school,  the school will potentially provide school trips and activities.  If schools offer conversation clubs you can practice throughout the day. It’s a great way to practice English informally with your classmates. 

Check on the Internet. You can find free clubs/groups on social media where you can sign up for free. Clubs make trips to big events like festivals, or try interesting new restaurants.

For example, London is huge and you can easily find cheap and free events in the capital. Also, look out for free pub quizzes, conversation clubs or take the initiative to invite some friends over to your house or go out and explore the city.  Don’t be shy! You never know what you are missing until you try!

#4: Practice makes perfect!

You might not believe this but to sound more natural you could mirror (imitate, mimic) natural speech. Listen to how British people speak. Listen to the way they stress words. Imitate the way your friends talk. After some time you will feel it as a natural thing to perform. Then you won’t have to copy someone else’s accent. After that, you will definitely have your own accent.

#5. Keep the conversation going

Try to take some time to speak English whenever you can. You have heard this so many times already, but it is actually true. Especially with other nationalities and native speakers, speaking will boost your confidence.

This will also help you work as a team with your friends and improve together. Find other people who want to practise their English too and create your own conversation crew. You might even make a few new friends!