How to Succeed with English

D-Ray Surfing Cayucos Pier
Opphavsmann: mikebaird 

Most people accept, without hesitation, that practice is necessary to get good at something. Athletes are perhaps the most prominent example of this, as they have to peak their performance through a detailed scrutiny of technique combined with building muscles and stamina. However, an athlete’s career lasts for a few years, while your English career will last a lifetime, and is crucial to your higher education and career in the job market.

Don't Feel Like Feeling Good?

At times, young students at the age of 16 and younger confess that they cannot speak English and are unable to learn it. To some, language comes easy, but most of us have to struggle for a while to get the hang of it. If you go to your English class with the feeling that you won't succeed and that everything is terribly difficult, the chances that you will fail are pretty good. On the other hand, if you tell yourself that you can do it, you probably will.

As mentioned, we all expect athletes to practise; we also expect them to have a positive attitude towards what they do. It is much easier to learn English with a good attitude than a bad one. Also, with English there are so many various sources of learning. English is all around you - on the Internet, on TV, on your mp3 player and in the shop windows. You should therefore be able to find something that interests you.

Ride the Surf

You‘ve got what it takes to learn a language, but the speed and progress varies with each individual. As with surfing, you need to take a chance or two and accept a few rough rides and some hurt pride, but you’ll finally ride the surf. However, you won’t learn it unless you go for it! Attitude is everything. According to recent studies - focusing on musicians, tennis players, chess players, swimmers and mathematicians - talent is overrated. Great accomplishments are a result of intensive training, motivation and practice. (See also: http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/21/magazines/fortune/talent_colvin.fortune/index.htm)

Your Own Learning Techniques

Finding techniques for memorizing words, phrases and the sounds of a language is probably just as important as the linguistic skills you’re born with. On the next page you will find a list of hints and tips that may help you in everyday life to learn English faster and in more fun ways.

Continue to 'Tips and Hints' in your right menu.