How to learn English? (30/30 Challenge)

[Ralf]

Hi Sveta,

Have a look at our audio course and let me know what you think!

Take care,

Ralf
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Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL Preparation & TOEFL Vocabulary
Learn more: How to Become an English Teacher

[Terence23]

I listen business english pod the program I download from itune and listen on my way to work every day. The program is very good and teaches my quite a lot. But my problem is that I can understand but can't use it or speak it what I have listen. What is the problem? Does it mean my speaking skill is very poor or I don't have enough chance or experience to speak to that level? or a bit of both? you comments are welcom.

[Torsten]

Hi Terence,

How long have you been listening to Podcasts? I'm asking because you need lots of input before you can produce 'correct output'. The trick is to use only phrases you have already heard. This means you need to listen to the phrase often enough until it gets stored in your subconscious mind. That's how you learned your mother tongue. It's obvious that you understand more than you can say and this is the case with your native language too -- it's always easier to understand and consume information than to create it.

Let me know what you think.
Regards,
Torsten

TOEIC listening, question-response: How many days are there in March?

[Terence23]

Hi Torsten - Thanks

each programme lasted about 30 minutes. I listen 3 to 4 times for each programme. I've been listening for nearly a year and I find my speaking isn't improved that much. Is there any reason why?

[Torsten]

Have you tried to record your own voice? You can easily improve your speaking skills by reading texts aloud and recording yourself because then you can concentrate on pronunciation and intonation while being sure that the grammar is correct. By the way, how do you know that your speaking skills haven't improved?

TOEIC listening, question-response: Would you care for an appetizer?

[Yankee]

Hi Terence23

Speaking is the most difficult and demanding of the 4 basic language skills. Listening is quite different from speaking. Listening is basically a relatively passive mental activity, whereas speaking is a very active and physical one. The only way to improve your spoken English is to practice, practice, practice! And when you're finished with that, practice some more.
.
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Terence23]

Over the years, I still can't speak or express my thoughts very well. I think that is my daily agitation. I will try to record my voice again. I have tried it before, I don't like my voice very much before of my accent which has strong ethnic accent. I find it is very dfficult to change.

[Yankee]

Hi Terence

It is OK to have an accent. Basically everyone who speaks English has an accent -- even native speakers of English. Your main concern should be that you are understandable. If there is any way you can upload a recording of yourself to the Internet, we could give you some additional input about your accent.

By the way, singing in English can also be helpful as an additional means of improving your speaking skills.
.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Terence23]

Thanks Yankee. just let me know how I can upload my recording on the internet for your kind assessment.

[Yankee]

Hi Terrence

I'm not an expert on doing that sort of thing, but maybe Torsten (or one of the other members of the forum) can help with that. Do you already have a recording of yourself in your PC?
.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Terence23]

No I haven't. Torsten has recommended me to record my voice and I need an expert to give some idea of what they think of my accent, in general and how I can improve my speaking.

[Torsten]

Hi Terence,

If you have a microphone or headset you can record yourself using any voice recording program. For example, Windows comes with an integrated voice recording software program which you can find in the Accessories menu.

TOEIC listening, question-response: Where is your office located?

[Terence23]

Thanks Torsten. I find it now. It's quite handy though. If I record some of my voice, will you be kind enough to give me some comments.

[Peace100]

hi evry one in the forum

thank you toresten, i understand that listining is one of the major keys of any progaram either languege or general sceince .again i would like to say reading and listining , writin ,are much better .example if you dig a hole in every day at 15 minut after one year how many inches will you dig it.

am sure you will improve 75-80% your english if you listen 30 minut every day

last its true saying of mr toresten

[Nataliru]

Dear Torsten

I liked your idea of learning English most effectively. I 'm not sure I manage to keep the shedule, but I think I'll try to. And there is a quatation I've heard today from a tapesript for a student's book: " If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got". I think it's the very case.

Best regards.