Vocabulary and grammar are perhaps the most difficult challenges for English language learners. The English language is a whole other world to learn, and it’s no wonder so many kids struggle to understand it. But there are some things that are universal across languages, and one of them is the use of words and grammar. What makes English so tricky is that there are so many rules that must be learned and applied correctly. For example, why do sentences always have a subject and a predicate? Why is it so important to learn and use parallel structure? How can you make your writing more interesting? And how can you break through that pesky vocabulary wall?
Education is the key to unlocking these challenges and unleashing your English potential. For this reason, we’ve compiled some of the best tips and tricks for English language learners that will help you on your way to success.
To really master English, you have to speak it
One of the most important aspects of language learning is speaking. And, it goes without saying that you can’t really speak English if you don’t know how to speak. So, in order to develop your English skills and learn a new language, why not get out there and start talking? Get your friends or family members together and practice speaking with one another. If you are trying to master a particular skill or area of English conversation, like pronunciation, try watching videos or listening to audio recordings. These are an excellent way to increase your knowledge on a topic and also help you practice pronunciation at the same time!
Avoid using clichés
Saying the same thing over and over again about something that’s not even your subject is a no-no for English language learners.
For example, it’s a cliché to say that “life is so complicated these days.” The phrase means nothing other than what it says as it has been repeated so many times that we don’t even remember how to interpret it anymore. It doesn’t add anything to the conversation, and using it simply to say you agree with someone else who said something similar will only prove that you lack creativity in your writing.
Use vivid descriptions
The first step towards learning a foreign language is to understand the basics. One of the most basic concepts in English is perception. The way we perceive and understand words can vary depending on our experiences, education, knowledge, culture and more. As a result, it’s important to be mindful of how you use description when writing. When describing an object or place, use vivid detail to paint a picture in your reader’s minds. Vivid detail helps readers connect with your writing because it allows them to imagine what you are trying to convey. For example:
The night sky was spectacularly clear that night without any clouds in sight and I could see thousands of stars overhead that had come out for the occasion.
If you were at a university that hosted an outdoor concert, you would probably feel more excitement while looking at this concert because they were surrounded by so many people and you could also smell what they were cooking as well as other aromas that would make your mouth water!
The night sky was spectacularly clear that night without any clouds in sight and I could see thousands of stars overhead that had come out for the occasion.
Create your own unique vocabulary
You have to be aware of your personal vocabulary. It’s important that you use words that are unique to you and not general terms so that your writing doesn’t sound too generic or boring.
Make your writing more interesting
A common and easy way to make your writing more interesting is by using metaphors. Why not use a human perspective from time to time? It’s an effective way to add variety in your opinion and make your writing more engaging. You can also work on adding context. Instead of just saying, “I love my old car,” say what you love about it. Perhaps you like the fact that it has a classic design that makes it look cool. Or maybe you like how easily accessible the driver’s seat is for getting in and out of the car.
Another creative tip is reusing words in different ways. If you want to avoid repeating yourself, try rephrasing or rearranging your sentence structure. For example, instead of saying, “I went to the store last night,” say something along the lines of “Last night I went shopping at the store.” This brings back the original meaning without using redundant words or phrases.
Don’t be afraid to use big words
Words are a huge part of English language learning, but that doesn’t mean you need to be intimidated by them. If you feel like you can’t use certain words in your writing, don’t let that hold you back from trying. You may find that it helps you get more confident in your writing and makes your audience smarter. It also helps to be able to use big words correctly when asking for feedback on your work, since the language experts will be able to help out with those tricky vocabulary words.
Conclusion
You must be able to speak the language in order to really master it. To really master English, you have to speak it.
When it comes to writing, avoiding clichés is a must. Avoid using clichés.
Vivid descriptions will make your writing more interesting and more engaging. Create your own unique vocabulary.
Don’t be afraid to use big words. If you’re not familiar with the word, look it up and use it!
