Here is a little list of some ideas for improving your spoken English that I have mentioned during the year. When this website is improved, we will be able to discuss these subjects here; talk about our favorite songs and movies, and so on.
Improving Accent
There are two parts to this, one is listening to good accents as much as possible, the other is to then practice trying to repeat the sounds you hear, until you get closer and closer. So, what to do for this is fairly obvious:
Listen to English language movies. (be aware if there are characters with really bad accents, and don’t try to copy them!)
Talk to native-speakers. There aren’t always tons of them around, but when you get the chance, don’t be shy about talking with native-speakers!
Repeating words again, and again, especially ones with more difficult sounds.
Improving Thinking
Getting better at thinking in English is key for improving your conversation speed, and your confidence when talking in English. The answer here is exposure, exposure, exposure. All the time that you spend in any English activity is time where you are at least partly thinking in English. Here are some things that I would suggest you try to find more time for, as they are fun as well.
- Reading stories in English. As you know, I’m happy to suggest appropriate stories for you.
- Watching English language movies. How great, this is also good for your accent!
- Listening to songs.
One exercise is to listen to an English language song, and try to understand as many words as you can. (Because people often sing funny, don’t try to copy the accent).
Another is to listen to a song you are very familiar with in Chinese, and try to tell yourself in English what it means as you listen to it. When you get very good, you can try to sing your version of the song in English.
Talking in English with your classmates. Just take 5 minutes each day to talk to a friend in English. The first few days it is very hard, but then it will become a habit, and you will get lots of very good practice without trying at all!
And one that isn’t fun, but is very useful: for several minutes at a time, when you are walking around, try to name things you see in English. Similar, even simpler, and maybe more important: walk around and whenever you see a person, think “he” or “she.” After a little while you should be able to get rid of he/she mistakes, which are small, but very strange-sounding!
